The Old Spanish Trail

The Old Spanish Trail originated as a series of ancient Native American trade routes that were later connected by Mexican and American traders to transport commercial goods and slaves. During the mid-1800's, Santa Fe served as the hub for continental trade, linking Mexican and United States markets. In 1830, Mexican trader Antonio Armijo completed the first round-trip journey for the purpose of trading commercial goods. Around 1848, the opening of other routes to California brought trade along the Old Spanish Trail to an end; however, it remained the primary route across the mountains until after World War II, when Utah State Highway 20 was established.

Utah · United States