El Camino Real
The Royal Road: 2,500 Miles of History
The route began in the Spanish capital of Mexico City and extended north to Los Adaes, the former provincial capital located near modern-day Robeline. The presidio, Nuestra Señora del Pilar de Los Adaes, relied heavily on this road for communication and supply.
Beyond supporting missionaries, soldiers, settlers, and traders, El Camino Real de los Tejas functioned as the official link between Los Adaes and royal authority in Mexico City. An elected representative from Los Adaes regularly traveled the long route—about 1,300 miles each way—to collect soldiers’ salaries and purchase essential supplies in Mexico City, Saltillo, and other centers. These expeditions could take up to six months round trip, underscoring the isolation and difficulty of frontier life.
The trail fostered deep cultural exchange among Spanish, Mexican, French, American, and American Indian peoples, especially the Caddo/Tejas communities. This blend of cultures continues to influence the region’s language, traditions, and artistic heritage.
Many segments of the historic road have been absorbed into modern state and federal highways, allowing today’s travelers to follow its original path. Portions of the original Camino Real de los Tejas are preserved at the Los Adaes State Historic Site, and the National Park Service has designated the trail a National Historic Trail to protect its history and enduring cultural legacy.
