Navasota in Grimes County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
La Bahia Trail
With 115 men, 721 horses, 82 loads of flour, and other supplies, Alonso de Leon, Governor of Coahuila, and Father Massanet, a Franciscan priest, entered the wilds of Texas. The purpose of the expedition was to discourage French encroachment from the north, as well as to explore, colonize, and christianize the Indians.
They followed the rugged trail from the present town of Refugio to Goliad and continued northeast to Navasota, probably following Cedar Creek through this town. Then they journeyed north until reaching the Neches River, where (near present Weches) they founded the Mission of San Francisco de Los Tejas. The church was called after the Tejas, or "Friendly" Indians, whose name was eventually given to the entire state.
Although De Leon's party went no farther on the western section of the trail, known as Atascosito Road, the eastern section extended into Louisiana. In nineteenth century, the route gained importance as a cattle trail, the Opelousas Road, that moved Texas herds to market in the north and east.
Erected 1967 by State Historical Survey Committee. (Marker Number 8595.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Exploration • Native Americans • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1690.
Location. 30° 23.366′ N, 96° 5.36′ W. Marker is in Navasota, Texas, in Grimes County. Marker is on North Lasalle Street (Business State Highway 6) 0.1 miles north of Brule Street (Farm to Market Road 105), on the left when traveling north. The marker is located in the northern section of the Mance Lipscomb Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Navasota TX 77868, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Mance Lipscomb (a few steps from this marker); The Leake Building (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Washington Avenue (about 500 feet away); Mickelborough Building (about 600 feet away); Rene Robert Cavelier Sieur de La Salle (about 700 feet away); The Terrell House (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Lewis J. Wilson Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); Frank Augustus Hamer (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Navasota.
Also see . . . La Bahía Road. Texas State Historical Association (Submitted on January 9, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)
Credits. This page was last revised on January 9, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 8, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 129 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 9, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.