Tsugwevaga, or the Isleta PuebloĪ historic depiction of the Isleta Pueblo. Archeologists have found many traces of the Camino Real, adding to our understanding of life on the road and cultures during the period. Camino Real means “Royal Road” or “King’s Highway,” terms applied to official government roads in both Spain and the New World colonies. Travelers ventured in caravans, flying flags like sea going vessels, laden with goods, water, and supplies.
The Camino Real provided a lifeline between the Spanish colonies of northern Mexico and New Mexico. El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, or the Royal Road to the Interior Land, is the oldest and one of the longest wagon routes in North America.
The Spanish Empire colonized New Mexico in 1598, incorporating many ancient Pueblo trails into the Spanish system of wagon roads to colonize the northern frontier. Early Spanish travelers frequently followed an extensive network of Pueblo foot trails that entered mountain passes, followed river valleys, or crossed desert plains to life-supporting water sources.
