Last updated: June 13, 2022
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Old Spanish Trail Timeline
1829
Antonio Armijo leads the first trade caravan from Abiquiú to Los Angeles, opening the Old Spanish Trail.
1831
William Wolfskill and George C.Yount blaze a more northern route that ascends into central Utah before heading southwest into California.
1834
José Avieta and 125 men arrive at Los Angeles carrying 1,645 serapes, 314 blankets, and other woolen goods.
1837
José María Chávez and family settle in what became known as the Chávez Ravine in Los Angeles.
1839
José Antonio Salazar arrives in California at the head of a group of 75 men; Francisco Quintana carries domestic manufactures worth $78.25.
1841
Francisco Estevan Vigil arrives at Los Angeles and presents a passport and instructions describing the duties and responsibilities of a commander of a caravan.
1842
A party of 40 New Mexicans from Abiquiú settles at Agua Mansa and Politana in California; Francisco Estevan Vigil and 194 men are issued passports carrying 4,150 California animals back to New Mexico.
1843
Juan Arce hauls merchandise worth $487.50.
1844
Francisco Rael carries domestic manufactures and sheep worth $1,748.
1846
The Mexican-American War begins.
1848
Treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo ends MexicanAmerican War; the Southwest becomes U.S. territory; California Gold Rush begins.
1849
Commercial caravans across the Old Spanish Trail largely cease as more direct transportation routes develop