Santa Fe

Most direct road from San Antonio to Santa Fe, during Spanish era in Texas, 1519-1821. Charted for closer ties between Mexico City and New Mexico, after American explorer Zebulon Pike blazed trail from U.S. to New Mexico. Spanish road of 1808 was mapped by Capt. Francisco Amangual and 200 soldiers. Amangual, veteran of 46 years of service to Spain, left San Antonio on March 30, 1808. On April 8, coming into this valley 5 miles to the south, he followed the East James (then called El Chimal Creek, for its bordering bluffs that resemble Indian headdresses), and camped that night by this red bluff. The party saw much game, including buffalo, and killed a bear. Stampedes and losses of horses and mules (some loaded with crude sugar and other food) made the trip difficult. The route pointed north-northwest. The party reached Santa Fe on June 19, and six months later returned to San Antonio. Although Zebulon Pike (discover of Pike's Peak) had traveled with only eight men, Amangual had to field a large party. One goal of his expedition was to impress the wild and fierce plains Indians with the might and glory of Spain. The road measured in 1808 has traces visible today, parallel to auto roads. (1967)

Santa Fe is a historical marker in London vicinity, Kimble County, dedicated in 1967. It is one of 56 historical markers documented in Kimble County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 64 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 30.4442, -99.3698 near London vicinity. The nearest cataloged historic site is Rayner Grave (cemetery), about 4.1 miles away. Others within a short drive include Taylor, Creed, Noxville Cemetery, and Site of Creed Taylor Ranch Home.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5267005002. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.