Española in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Dominguez Escalante Trail
Photographed By J. J. Prats, April 28, 2013
1. Dominguez Escalante Trail Marker
Inscription.
Dominguez Escalante Trail. . On July 29, 1776, two Franciscans, Fray Francisco Atanasio Dominguez and Fray Silvestre Velez de Escalante set out on horseback on an expedition from Santa Fe, New Mexico, to Monterey, California. The purpose of the expedition was two-fold: to open communications between the two-missions (Santa Fe and Monterey) and to convert the Indians (Utes and Havasupais) between pueblo land and the Pacific Coast. The party did not reach Monterey, however, but only got as far as the Utah Basin. Due to the onset of winter weather, lack of provisions and frequent desertion of Indian guides, their goal was reconsidered, causing much dissension. Lots were cast to continue on or to return to Santa Fe. Thus it was decided to turn back to Santa Fe.
On July 29, 1776, two Franciscans, Fray Francisco Atanasio Dominguez and Fray Silvestre Velez de Escalante set out on horseback on an expedition from Santa Fe, New Mexico, to Monterey, California. The purpose of the expedition was two-fold: to open communications between the two-missions (Santa Fe and Monterey) and to convert the Indians
(Utes and Havasupais) between pueblo land
and the Pacific Coast. The party did not reach Monterey, however, but only got as far as the Utah Basin. Due to the onset of winter weather, lack of provisions and frequent desertion of Indian guides, their goal was reconsidered, causing much dissension. Lots were cast to continue on or to return to Santa Fe. Thus it was decided to turn back to Santa Fe.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Exploration. In addition, it is included in the Dominguez y Escalante Expedition series list. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1842.
Location. 36° 1.662′ N, 106° 5.556′ W. Marker is in Española, New Mexico, in Rio Arriba County. Marker is on Chama Highway (U.S. 84 at milepost 191.1), close to Española, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Espanola NM 87532, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies.
Also see . . . Dominguez-Escalante Expedition. Wikipedia entry. Excerpt: “The first night of the journey they stayed overnight at the Santa Clara pueblo, north of Santa Fe, and from there they ‘traveled nine leagues, more or less, and arrived at the pueblo of Santa Rosa de Abiquiú, where because of various circumstances we remained on the 31st without traveling, and where by means of a Solemn Mass we again implored the aid of our most holy patrons’.” (Submitted on May 3, 2014.)
Additional keywords. Old Spanish Trail
Photographed By J. J. Prats, April 28, 2013
2. Reverse of Dominguez Escalante Trail Marker
Photographed By J. J. Prats, April 28, 2013
3. Dominguez Escalante Trail Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on May 3, 2014, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 867 times since then and 32 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on May 3, 2014, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.
