An Archaeological Survey of El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, Las Cruces, El Paso


Scout Ranch

Publication: International Journal of Historical Archaeology, Vol. 8, No. 4

Author: Edward Staski

Date of Publication: December 2004

PDF File: Staski-2004-An-Archaeological-Survey-of-El-Camino-Real-de-Tier.pdf

URL: http://link.springer.com/10.1007/s10761-004-2591-2

Description


Archaeologists from New Mexico State University surveyed El Camino Real, the earliest long-distance trail established by European colonists in North America, from Las Cruces, New Mexico, to El Paso, Texas. Our goal was to determine the location and condition of this historic trail within a strip of land that has witnessed significant agricultural, suburban, and urban development in recent years. Due to this development, many scholars have assumed that all physical traces of the Camino Real have been destroyed. Results of our research, however not all remnants of the trail and related campsites have been lost