Canadian River Trails

Trade, exploration, and hunting trails along the Canadian River were older than recorded history and were already ancient when the Spaniard Coronado used them in 1541 while seeking the golden cities of Cibola. In 1840, Josiah Gregg and 34 Missouri men traveled the route with goods worth $25,000 for trade in Santa Fe. By 1849, parties escorted by U.S. Army Captain R.B. Marcy used it on their way to the California Gold Rush. Hunters, cattlemen, and settlers used the Canadian River Trails in the 1870s and 80s as the Panhandle was opened to civilization. The river's name, "Canadian," came from a Spanish word meaning "boxed-in."

Texas · United States