Old Spanish Trail North Branch: Stories of the Exploration of the American Southwest (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780865342705)

The ancient trail from Santa Fe, New Mexico to Crescent Junction near Green River, Utah was a good route for travel for the early settlers. It was first used by woolly mammals who migrated up and down the Rio Grande and then by many travelers in that part of the American Southwest. The sixteen diaries or journals in this book give individual perspectives to the adventures and difficulties encountered on these treks and is described in great detail by the hearty souls whose records will captivate the reader. There is mention, for example, of meeting "a group of pioneers" and details of Antoine Leroux's leading John W. Gunnison and his eighteen wagons down the trail-a worthy route. Let these colorful accounts and stories take you back to the days and time of those who trod the Old Spanish Trail North Branch. The book includes photographs and maps. * * * * * Ron Kessler, a San Luis Valley, Colorado native, has deep roots in the Old Spanish Trail which is almost in his back yard. He is a founder of the Old Spanish Trail Association, devoting much time and energy to making others aware of this important link to our past.