El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail/NPS.

Four state and federal agencies have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on interpretive efforts across El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail in New Mexico and Texas. Commemorating the historic route of Spanish settlers, soldiers, and missionaries from Mexico City to Santa Fe beginning in 1598, the National Historic Trail is co-administered by the National Park Service and the Bureau of Land Management. Many of the sites along the historic route are managed by the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs and the Texas Historical Commission. 

The Memorandum of Understanding developed out of conversations between the four agencies following the closing of the El Camino Trail Center near Socorro, New Mexico in 2017. The intent of the memorandum is to develop ways to effectively share the story of the Camino Real with the public at sites managed by the different agencies. The four agencies are committing to work together to promote the preservation of and public access to significant sites along the historic route, to provide consistency in interpretive media (such as exhibits, social media, web sites, and publications), and to facilitate the development of public recreational experiences along El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail. The agreement also encourages and supports the efforts of private and other public partners in the development, research and interpretation of resources along the Camino. 

El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro (translated to "the royal road to the interior lands") was the primary route north for Spanish settlers, soldiers, and missionaries for nearly 300 years. First traveled by Juan de Oñate in 1598, El Camino Real was a conduit for the introduction of Spanish culture and language into the American southwest. The 1600-mile route began in Mexico City and ended first at Ohkey Owingeh Pueblo in northern New Mexico, then in Santa Fe beginning in 1610. The last 404 miles of the trail in the United States was designated as El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail in 2000.