Historical Marker

Oñate’s Route on the Camino Real

This is the oldest transcontinental road in North America. It reached its full historical length of over 2,000 miles with the expedition of Juan de Oñate in 1598, connecting Mexico City to the generally recognized terminus of Santa Fe. The “Royal Road” had a singular impact on the northern Southwest, bringing European culture, architecture, music, textiles, agricultural practices and disease. It was the primary route for exploration, conquest, trade and colonization to the northern provinces of New Spain for more than 250 years.