Near Paragonah in Iron County, Utah — The American Mountains (Southwest)
The Old Spanish Trail
Photographed by Jeremy Snow, July 6, 2023
1. The Old Spanish Trail Marker
The Old Spanish Trail originated as a series of ancient native american trade routes which were later connected by Mexican and American traders to provide a means for transporting commercial goods and slaves.
During the mid-1800's, Santa Fe served as the hub for continental trade, linking Mexican and United States markets. In 1830, Mexican trader Antonio Armijo completed the first round-trip journey for the purpose of trading commercial goods.
Around 1848, the opening of other routes to California brought trade along the Old Spanish Trail to an end however, this remained as the primary route across the mountains until after World War II when Utah State Highway 20 was established.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Old Spanish National Trail series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1840.
Location. 37° 54.501′ N, 112° 38.207′ W. Marker is near Paragonah, Utah, in Iron County. It is on Upper Bear Valley Road, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Utah’s Color Country. It is also in the American Mountain West and on the Colorado Plateau. Globally, it is in North America, the Rocky Mountains, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Henry W. Lunt (approx. 7½ miles away); Paragonah Fort (approx. 7.7 miles away); Paragonah Town Square (approx. 7.7 miles away); The Tithing Lot and Relief Society Hall (approx. 7.7 miles away); Old Spanish National Historic Trail (approx. 9½ miles away); a different marker also named Old Spanish National Historic Trail (approx. 9.7 miles away); Explore Southern Utah (approx. 11.1 miles away); Establishing a Community (approx. 11.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Paragonah.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2024. It was originally submitted on February 6, 2024, by Jeremy Snow of Cedar City, Utah. This page has been viewed 209 times since then and 25 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on February 6, 2024, by Jeremy Snow of Cedar City, Utah. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A wide shot of the marker and its surroundings. • Can you help?
