Celebrate El Camino Real Day in East Texas

For hundreds of years, people have traversed from Mexico to Louisiana for colonization, trade, religious endeavors and more.

The most popular path was the ancient highway known as the El Camino Real. Though it has long been broken apart by urbanization and changes to the natural environment, remnants still remain.

This Saturday is El Camino Real Day! A state, national and worldwide celebration of the powerful stories and proud heritage of the numerous people groups that frequented the trail.

Below are a handful of East Texas locations that are located on or near the highway that are joining in on the festivities:

The Durst-Taylor House (Nacogdoches) - Starting off the celebration early, this Thursday at 6pm enjoy a fascinating discussion on the East Texas landscape and the challenges it presented to its travelers and pioneers.
Stella Hill Library (Alto) - Admire beautiful photography, quilts, paintings and more at the “Art on the El Camino” show, presented by the Cherokee County Historical Commision. This event will run 10am to 2pm.
The Stone Fort Museum (Nacogdoches) - From 10am-2pm, learn what everyday life looked like during this historical era with the making of plum jelly and baking bread in a Dutch oven! Then enjoy an afternoon of live music and various activities.
Mission Tejas State Park (Grapeland) - Celebrate Pioneer Day at the park, from 10am-4pm! Walk real portions of the ancient highway! Plus, no entrance fee.
Mission Dolores State Historic Site (San Augustine) - From 10am to 4pm, enjoy discussions of archaeology and the history of the El Camino Real. There will be a mock archaeological dig for families to enjoy, as well as a demonstration of skills and trades during this historic era.
Caddo Mounds State Historical Site (Alto) - The day begins at 11am with a rededication of the Caddo Mounds Historical Marker that was once devastated by a powerful tornado in 2019. Immediately following at 12pm, enjoy a wonderful presentation from the Cherokee County Historical Commision, portraying historical figures during the heyday of the El Camino Real.

Get ready for El Camino Real Day on October 19th! Celebrate in Nacogdoches at the Stone Fort Museum Nacogdoches from 10...
Posted by Visit Nacogdoches on Monday, October 14, 2024

To learn even more about El Camino Real Day, check out the official El Camino Real de los Tejas website!

We also did full feature pieces on both the Caddo Mounds State Historical Site and Mission Tejas State Park! Watch them both before you visit.