[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 8 (Wednesday, February 6, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E97]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              THE OLD SPANISH NATIONAL HISTORIC TRAIL ACT

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                          HON. HEATHER WILSON

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 6, 2002

  Mrs. WILSON. Mr. Speaker, in the west, citizens from all walks of 
life have deep-rooted cultural and historic ties to the land. This 
legislation will amend the National Trails System Act and designate the 
Old Spanish Trail, which originates in Santa Fe, New Mexico and 
continues to Los Angeles, California, as a National Historic Trail.
  The Old Spanish Trail dates back to 1829 when it had a variety of 
uses, from trade caravans to military expeditions. For twenty plus 
years, the Old Spanish Trail was used as a main route of travel between 
New Mexico and California. Numerous Indian Pueblos were situated along 
the trail serving as trading forums for the travelers. Today, more than 
one hundred and fifty years after the first caravans on the Old Spanish 
Trail, the historic charter of the trail lives on and the trail remains 
relatively unchanged since the trail period.
  The Old Spanish Trail is a symbol of cultural interaction between 
various ethnic groups and nations. Further, it is a symbol of the 
commercial exchange that made development and growth popular, not only 
in the west, but throughout the country.
  The National Trails system was established by the National Trails 
System Act of 1968, to promote the preservation of, public access to, 
travel within, and appreciation of the open air, outdoor areas and 
historic resources of the Nation. Designating the Old Spanish Trail as 
a National Historic Trail would allow for just what the act has 
intended, preservation, access, enjoyment and appreciation of the 
historic resources of our Nation. The Old Spanish Trail has been 
significant in many respects to many different people and such rich 
history should not be left out of our National Trails System. 
Designating the Old Spanish Trail as a National Historic Trail will 
protect this historic route and its historic remnants and artifacts for 
public use and enjoyment indefinitely.

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