Learn more aboutDr. Francis X. Galan Dr. Francis X. Galan

Dr. Francis X. Galan

Assistant Professor of History

Texas A&M - San Antonio

In order to make sense of the history of Texas under Spain and the problem of borders in the modern era, we must understand the centrality of the Camino Real to Spanish expansion on the frontier of northern New Spain (or colonial Mexico). The contested borderlands of Texas in the 18th and early nineteenth century are the messy roots of our modern border with Mexico, especially with regard to violence, border patrol, and smuggling. Spain could not place enough boots on the ground or even ensure the allegiance of its own subjects in a mercantile economy where “free trade” proved vital for survival. Dr. Francis X. Galan received his Ph.D. in History from Southern Methodist University in 2006, an M.A. in history from the University of Texas at San Antonio, and B.A. in Latin American Studies from the University of Texas at Austin. He teaches classes on Latin America, Mexico, and Texas. He is faculty co-advisor of the History Club. Dr. Galan’s primary research uses Spanish and Mexican-era archival records to examine military, political, economic, and social relations of the Tejano community. He is revising his manuscript, entitled Broken Border: The First Capital of Spanish Texas at Los Adaes on the Frontera of New Spain, Louisiana, and Caddo Country, 1721-1821, for publication.

About Dr. Francis X. Galan

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Assistant Professor of History

Texas A&M - San Antonio

Learn more aboutTambria Read Tambria Read

Tambria Read

Floresville High School

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Floresville High School

Learn more aboutSusan Snow Susan Snow

Susan Snow

National Park Service Archaeologist

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National Park Service Archaeologist

Learn more aboutDavid Regan David Regan

David Regan

ElCaT - Trail de Flores Chapter President

El Camino Real de los Tejas NHT Assn.

Wilson County is home to the longest hike-able section of the El Camino Real de los Tejas NHT, and the opportunities to expand this experience are the focus of the Association’s Floresville-based Trail de Flores chapter. In 2013 the NPS published a feasibility study title “A Vision of Opportunities – Mission Espada to Rancho de las Cabras”. This study identified opportunities to reconnect these two important World Heritage sites through the creation of a retracement trail that follows closely along what is believed to be the actual historic route of the El Camino NHT. This presentation provides a vision for, and status update of, this important trail development project. David Regan is a retired professional with wide ranging experiences and interests. His professional career includes 31 years as a commissioned officer of the U. S. Coast Guard, concentrating in ship maintenance and repair management, and culminating with a senior command assignment in New Orleans, LA that was instrumental in the preparation, response, and operational support of Coast Guard forces during hurricane Katrina. David then served 8 years providing operational logistics consultation services to NASA, the U. S. Air Force, the Defense Information Services Agency, and the U. S. Coast Guard as a Lead Associate at Booz Allen Hamilton. An avid runner, cyclist, and hiker, David has developed a keen interest in the development of El Camino de los Tejas National Historic Trail as a recreational and educational resource to be enjoyed by the public. David is an officer of the El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail Association and the founding Chair of its Trail de Flores Chapter.

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ElCaT - Trail de Flores Chapter President

El Camino Real de los Tejas NHT Assn.

Learn more aboutDr. Amy Porter Dr. Amy Porter

Dr. Amy Porter

Professor of History

Texas A&M - San Antonio

The history of the Calvillo family members, especially Ignacio and María del Carmen, and the Rancho de las Cabras typifies the experiences of many residents of Béxar and surrounding areas along the Camino Real de los Tejas. These stories show the importance and challenges of ranching, land ownership patterns, opportunities for women, struggles during the fights for Mexican Independence, and changes brought by political transitions. This presentation will examine the history of the Calvillo family from the late 1700s until the mid-1800s and will explain the significance of the Camino Real in the lives, travels, and economic enterprises of the people connected to the Rancho de las Cabras. Dr. Amy M. Porter received her Ph.D. in History from Southern Methodist University in 2004 and her B.A. in History and Spanish from Austin College. She teaches classes on colonial America, the American Revolution, the Early Republic, and Texas. Dr. Porter’s research focuses on women in the Spanish borderlands. Her publications include the 2015 book Their Lives, Their Wills: Women in the Borderlands, 1750-1846 and a chapter on María del Carmen Calvillo in the 2019 book Texas Women and Ranching: On the Range, at the Rodeo, and in Their Communities.

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Professor of History

Texas A&M - San Antonio