Navasota in Grimes County, Texas — The American South (West South Central)
La Bahia Trail
Photographed by James Hulse, January 5, 2023
1. La Bahia Trail Marker
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 • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • 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. It 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
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in the Prairies & Lakes Region. It is also in the American South. Globally, it is in North America, a Gulf of Mexico state, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Republic of Texas, one of the Confederate States of America, and the Antebellum South.
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); The Giesel House (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Navasota.
Also see . . . La Bahνa Road. Texas State Historical
Photographed by James Hulse, January 5, 2023
2. The La Bahia Trail Marker along the street
Photographed by James Hulse, January 5, 2023
3. The La Bahia Trail Marker and the Mande Lipscomb statue in the park
The marker is located on the right far side along the sidewalk
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 752 times since then and 56 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 9, 2023, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
