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Strategic Plan for CARTA

CARTA serves as the official association of El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail, in collaboration with the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs and various Mexican organizations. El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro—“The Royal Road of the Interior Lands” was federally designated as a National Historic Trail in 2000. CARTA was established in 2003 to help promote, educate, and preserve the cultural and historic trail corridor.

El Rancho de las
Golindrinas, the chapel

While the administrative and planning responsibilities rest with the National Park Service and the Bureau of Land Management, CARTA was founded as a support organization with two principal purposes. First, we encourage archaeological and historical investigation, historic site identification and preservation, public education and exploration along the trail. Second, we facilitate the participation, involvement and understanding of the communities in celebrating the multicultural and multiethnic history and traditions of the the living trail, El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro.

Our non-profit trail association currently consists of more than 130 members interested in the pre-history and history of the trail and the communities that still thrive along it. Our members include archaeologists, historians, civic leaders, artists, government personnel, international agencies, heritage tourists, and other individuals connected by a passion for learning about our shared past. We are increasingly engaged in on-the-ground Trail-related projects that enrich the lives of those living along the Trail and those beyond its immediate realm.

See also, our Frequently Asked Questions