Roundup: April 8, 2015
Almansor Court – 700 S. Almansor, Alhambra, CA.
Social Hour: 5:00 PM
Dinner: 6:00 PM
Speaker: Jack Prichett
Subject: The Old Spanish Trail in California: 19th Century Remnants and 21st Century Challenges
Historians Leroy and Ann Hafen called the Old Spanish Trail “the longest, crookedest, most arduous pack mule route in the history of America.” Designated by Congress as a National Historic Trail in 2002, the Trail played a key role in Southern California’s early history, providing a pathway for Mexican Period commerce and immigration, as well as early American exploration of the Southwest. Col. John C. Fremont and Kit Carson were among early Americans to use the Trail before the 1848 discovery of gold was to change California’s history. Speaker Jack Prichett’s richly illustrated talk will describe the Old Spanish Trail Association’s work in the Mojave to locate and record still existing portions of the original mule trace, as well as outlining current development threats to the Trail route efforts to protect this remnant of California’s heritage.
Mr. Prichett has been active in the Old Spanish Trail Association since 2008 and has served as president of the Association’s Tecopa chapter since 2009. Mark your calendars today to see and hear this fascinating presentation of this important historical Western story. We look forward to seeing you in April!
John Selmer
Deputy Sheriff