The Pinta Trail was used by native Texans traveling through the Hill Country from San Antonio (established in 1718) to Presidio San Saba (which was founded in 1757).
Unlike El Camino Real de los Tejas and Trammel’s Trace, there are few remaining signs of the trail itself, but many historic events are tied to the movements of people and provisions along this ancient path.
Even without landmarks, the Pinta Trail has much to teach us.
Our family lives less than 5 miles from the trail route. We like to drive along it on modern roads and think what it must have been like when the Indians and early settlers used it. Many modern Texas roads twist and turn because road builders basically paved the old trails. Think about that. Don’t trailblazers choose the most direct route with fewest obstructions? Then towns spring up along the routes where there’s a good supply of water, and people travel the trails that take them to those towns. The needs then and now are the same. It’s just our mode of transportation–and the speed of “getting there”–that’s changed!
Can you think of other historic trails that have become modern roads? Comment below or just go exploring! I can practically guarantee that there’s a historic trail that’s been paved near you!
