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Making America's Best Idea Even Better
El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic TrailDetail of handmade adobe bricks in sunshine with shadows
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El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail
Things To Do
 
Image of historic La Mesilla, New Mexico, plaza with shade trees and adobe style buildings
An NPS Photo
Founded in 1853, the historic town of La Mesilla was originally located in Mexico and became part of the United States after the Gadsden Purchase of 1854. The town became a stop on the Butterfield Overland mail route, which linked St. Louis and San Francisco. It lost its prominence when bypassed by the railroad in 1881. Today, the historic La Mesilla plaza welcomes trail travelers to enjoy its hospitality and culture.
 

Numerous activities are available along El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail. These include hiking, driving, visiting museums and visitor centers, and touring historic communities established during the Camino Real era.

Due to its recent (October 2000) authorization, there are no designated El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail maps or guides available. Please consult local guidebooks for recreational activities and other things to do.

 
Traces of a dirt road, El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, stretch across a southern New Mexico desert landscape  

Did You Know?
For 25 years (1821-1846), when New Mexico was part of the Republic of Mexico, El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro was the road that Missouri merchants - known as Santa Fe traders - used to reach Mexico's interior markets. Dry goods and hardware were traded for bullion and mules.

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Last Updated: July 25, 2006 at 00:23 EST