This trail, first trod by the Padres in Spanish days, became under Mexican rule the road connecting Los Angeles and later the American Post Road. In November 1826, Jedediah Smith, seeking a river flowing westward, led a band of sixteen trappers over it, becoming the first Americans to enter California overland. It is also identified as the National Old Trails Road and is associated with a memorial by the N.S.D.A.R. to the pioneer mothers of the covered wagon days.