The Four Main Early Roads
The early roads were developed for three reasons. The first is because they were necessary for people to get places where they could make money by buying and selling goods and services. Another reason is because people wanted to make new homes in Texas and areas west of Indian Territory. The third reason is that the roads made it easier from soldiers and others to get from one fort to another.
The Santa Fe Road, the earliest of the main roads, was established in 1825. It went from Kansas across what became the Oklahoma panhandle and southwest to the Mexican settlements on the Rio Grande River.
In the map above, Important Routes and Trails, the Texas Road can be seen going from northeast Indian Territory to about the middle of the border going into Texas. This was an ancient path that had been used by the Indians for thousands of years. As white people moved into the area, they also used it because it was the easiest path through the area. Later on, railroads and highways were built along the road.
The California Road was made in 1849 from Ft. Smith clear across Indian Territory. The road was made for the thousands of people who were on their way to California in search of gold. As you look at the map Important Routes and Trails, you see that the California Road is very crooked.
Information provided by Walter Eskridge, Curator of Education