OSTA has a variety of educational materials for teacher of all grades. From Lesson Plans to Flyers, they are available for download and free to use.Please let us know if you find any of them helpful – and we’re always interested in new ideas.
New Book Available
In 2023, members of The Descendants and Travelers of the Trail chapter published a book of profiles, Stories of our Ancestors from the Old SpanishTrail, which is now available through Amazon. The development of the book was a special project in celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Old Spanish Trail’s becoming a National Historic Trail. The narratives are told from the perspective of living descendants of those who traveled the Trail primarily from 1829-1848. The historic Trail is brought to life again through the daring stories and early photographs of our ancestors who faced seemingly insurmountable obstacles during their travels to Alta California. The OST followed a network of Indigenous routes used over centuries for trading and brought a diverse group west including merchants, trappers, and eventually families.
A key highlight of the book is the “Helpful Tips for Families and Teachers” chapter. This section includes a sampling of forty-six (46) historical sites in the states of California, New Mexico, Colorado, Nevada, Utah, and Arizona, where families can visit to experience the history and landscape of the Trail. We also explore the connection between the stories of our ancestors and some of the listed sites. We hope you will take the opportunity to visit these places someday and that your journey encourages you to learn more about the Old Spanish Trail.
