ALLIANCE FOR TEXAS HISTORY
The Alliance for Texas History hosted its annual conference at Texas State University May 15 to 17. El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail Association hosted its annual membership meeting on Friday during the conference and featured a day full of interesting historical tidbits about the trail. According to the El Camino Real de los Tejas Historic Trail Association website, the trail became a major route of travel in the Spanish colonial period with the foundation of the mission and presidio of San Juan Bautista on the Rio Grande in 1700 and the settlement of San Fernando de Béxar and San Antonio de Valero in 1718. It served as a well-established link that facilitated trade and movement between Spanish and French colonial territories as well as a route for US settlers heading west. According to a press release issued before the event, the trail is 2,580 miles long, stretching from the Rio Grande to Natchitoches, Louisiana, and is filled with historically significant routes that led to the founding of Texas.
During the day’s festivities, Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra received an award to recognize his acts of public service.
“I’m deeply honored to receive the 2025 Annual Public Service Award from the El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail Association. This recognition reflects a lifelong commitment to serving our community and protecting its rich cultural and natural heritage,” Becerra said. “From the historic trails that shape our identity to the residents who define our future, I remain dedicated to preserving what matters most.”
Presentations throughout the day focused on Native American and Tejano topics by the Council for the Indigenous and Tejano Community, the Treviño Fort and Rancho by The River Pierce Foundation, updates from agency partners from the National Park Service and Texas Historical Commission, among others.
