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 What: A History and Field Trip of the Old Spanish Trail (1829-1848)
When: August 19 2017 New Mexico/Colorado Border by Dr. Doug Knudson In 2002 a Congressional act designated the Old Spanish Trail (OST) as a National Historic Trail. Woolen textiles, woven in Northern New Mexico were traded for strong California mules and horses. The route is very close to our morning tour. Assumption 1: The East Fork of the North Branch of the OST followed this path headed to Cochetopa Pass west of Saguache. The Spanish/Mexican culture extended to this area and continues it as well or better than most segments of the trail: A "somewhat modern" area that is more traditional than most communities and landscapes on the OST routes. Mexican tradition continues strong here, despite a new school and wealthy landowners. There is strong interest among low-income residents who treasure their heritage. Assumption 2: This area can offer traditional animals, plants, religion, sincerity, and resistance to what some call progress. History is evident here in commerce, farming and ranching methods, evidence of religious traditions, sense of New Mexican methods in agriculture, and museum, churches, and other traditions. Local skills, practices, and interpretation offer clear senses of the past in the late 1840s to 1850s. A number of books and reports can be made available at book stands. And traditional activities, personal encounters with local residents and programs can likewise enrich the sense of the past. The Old Spanish Trail field trip seeks your intelligent comments and wisdom. How can the Old Spanish Trail Association (OSTA) present some of its stories here, while emphasizing the history and sense of the past as related to the OST? It is thought by many of us that this special and beautiful place will be one of the favorites and most genuine of the entire trail (approximately 2400 miles round trip). The tour starts in Costilla New Mexico Plaza. (On the CO/NM State line). This is a place with a big annual art festival--amateurs and professionals every early fall. Its creek is one of the several that come down from the Sangre de Cristos. We'll go a few miles East and then northward (the route indicated by Congress for the OST.) As we go we'll encounter various crops and other photo opportunities. (2 locations). Several of the ranches are working with Churro sheep, but they may be grazing high up. I hope to do a little exploring into the Sangre de Cristo low slopes, where you can get a glimpse of the remaining rural communities and irrigation techniques. Then we'll see the last functioning commons in the USA (probably), shared by local farmers on a strict schedule. We'll go into town (San Luis), passing diverse churches on the way. One farmer invites us to go 1.5 miles out of town to see his techniques. In town, we'll look at a thing or two, then choose our lunch from the three restaurants (or sack lunch). I hope we may see the still-renovating museum, which has a treasure trove of good information and exhibits. Next, we'll hike up the Stations of the Cross, sculpted by Huberto Maestas, on a beautiful uphill walk and much more. At the top is a spectacular view of the Sangre de Cristos and much of the San Luis Valley. In case you're sore footed, there is a way by car, but you'll miss much of the art - a small version of this is in the Vatican collection. (You'll probably be passed by young mothers carrying an almost born and pushing an older child.) From here, we'll see what the clock says and offer alternatives for your return home. If you go back South (on asphalt), you may see wild horses along the way. I've noticed that they are quite positive that they have the right-of-way. If time is not of the essence, we suggest that you can go north to the base of Mount Blanca, where you may be moved by its splendor—four tribes consider it sacred. Kit Carson was top soldier at Fort Garland here. North of there are some splendid hot springs. In Alamosa are some very nice motels and restaurants. You can also go to New Mexico by cutting west across the lower San Luis Valley, say hello to a famous boxer, then aim for Española and Santa Fe. No charge except your gas and meal. If you prefer an overnight stay in San Luis, you have two choices: a convent near the church or a nice looking tucked-away big motel (many tours come to the community). Several other motels and a great steak house are in Fort Garland--16 miles North with a State Museum. ARRIVAL by 9:55 a.m. on August 19 If you are from New Mexico, take highway 522 to Costilla, turn right and hitch up to the Plaza's parking arrangements. If you are from Colorado, take highway 159 then a left turn off 522 into town and find the same Plaza Questions: Doug Knudson 89 Fir Drive South Fork, CO 81154 douglasfir636@gmail.com 719-873-5239 A good read: Chapter 14 of Tom Wolf's - Colorado's Sangre de Cristo Mountains. OST takes you Near to 21 of Colorado's Top Wonders On 3 Old Spanish Trail branches
These features were selected as outstanding by Colorado's tourism promoters. The Old Spanish Trail has been a series of scenic wonders for many years. Old Spanish Trail Association - La Vereda del Norte Chapter appreciates your interest.  Protecting Cultural Collections:
Disaster Prevention, Preparedness, Response & Recovery Part 1: ON-LINE WEBINARS - Prevention & Preparedness (archived 2½ hours total) Part 2: IN-PERSON WORKSHOP - Response & Recovery Alamosa, CO: Thursday, August 17, 2017 – 9:00 – 4:00pm – Adams State University, Nielsen Library 3rd floor conference room. The workshop is FREE. Participation in the in-person workshop requires viewing the archived Part 1 webinars BEFORE attending the Part 2 in-person workshop AND completing the workshop assignments. Any exception requires the permission of the instructor. Link to the webinars will be provided upon registration. Sponsored by Western States & Territories Preservation Assistance Service (WESTPAS) Co-sponsored by the San Luis Valley Museum Association and the Colorado State Library Instructor: Julie A. Page, Co-Coordinator, WESTPAS ************************************************************************ The “Protecting Cultural Collections” training is presented in a sequence of two archived webinars plus one in-person workshop to produce the following outcomes:
Who should attend: Administrators and staff responsible for emergency preparedness, response and decision-making, in all types of cultural institutions. By registering for the workshop, the institution commits to supporting the attendee(s) to achieve the workshop's disaster preparedness goals. When possible, please commit two attendees so they can work together on the disaster preparedness activities. Cost: No charge to the institution. Funding provided by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Registration: Pre-registration required. Register online for the IN-PERSON session at: WESTPAS workshop http://tinyurl.com/ot4kve2 For registration assistance contact: Wendy Cao, caow@plsinfo.org For general & content information contact Julie Page jpage@calpreservation.org |
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