The Spanish Road: Travels Along Florida's Royal Road, El Camino Real
- 98 pages
- 4 hours of reading
Early on April 6, 2013, while visiting the Suwannee River crossing at Charles Spring, I witnessed a beam of light that seemed to illuminate the trail of the Franciscan friars. This moment inspired a digital image, "Photograph of the Bellamy Road," which was included in the Viva Florida 500 statewide time capsule, sealed on December 31, 2013, to be opened on March 3, 2095. Florida is commemorating significant anniversaries, including the 500 years of Spanish influence and the 450th birthday of St. Augustine, the oldest continuously occupied city in the U.S. This has sparked renewed interest in the Old Spanish Trail, often confused with its western counterpart. Robert Hurst takes readers on a 465-mile journey from St. Augustine to Pensacola, exploring the challenges faced by early travelers through Florida's diverse landscapes. The narrative includes ferrying methods, encounters with Native American tribes, and the joy of reaching remarkable springs. Accompanying appendices provide driving roads and hiking trails that replicate this historic experience, while photographs and maps illustrate the trail's pristine parts. This work appeals to history enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and ecotourists, aiming to highlight the significance of Florida's oldest and longest road. The author hopes this book will draw attention to preserving this vital heritage site.
