
El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail in New Mexico.
In the 17th century, Spanish explorers made military expeditions into what is now Texas, Louisiana and New Mexico. Building on Native American trading paths, the Spanish created “royal roads,” called “camino reals.” Competing against British and French colonial expansion, they established military forts, trading posts and missions for the religious and social conversion of American Indians. These settlements and cultural exchange laid the foundation for art, architecture, language, music, food and traditions that define the region today. Visit El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail and San Antonio Missions National Historical Park in Texas and El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail in New Mexico to experience this rich history.