Marking the Old Spanish Trail
submitted by: Jay Jones Jones
04 Marking the Old Spanish Trail |
One of the strongest voices in America for preserving and marking trails of national importance was Howard R. Driggs, who also has a strong connection to Iron County.
Driggs, a native of Pleasant Grove, Utah, became a member of the first faculty of the Branch Normal School (now SUU) established in Cedar City in 1897.
The annual Driggs Lecture is hosted by SUU in his honor. A 30 minute video featuring his life story can be found at https://suu.edu/howardrdriggs/
From the SUU Centennial History by Ann Leavitt:
“Howard Driggs taught for six years at BNS. In later years he became a renowned historian, author of a number of volumes of western history and a nationally known educator. For 20 years he was a professor of English education at New York University. His influence as a member of the first faculty was formative for the school.”
In 1928 Driggs became president of the Oregon Trail Memorial Association, and later the American Pioneer Trails Association.
He corresponded frequently with William R. Palmer of Cedar City, who became the president of the Old Spanish Trail Association.
The 8 January 1948 issue of the Iron County Record reported that “Dr. Howard R. Driggs of New York City, President of the National Historical Trails and Landmarks Association” was in Cedar City and addressed the local Lions Club.”
The Record quoted Dr. Driggs: “No section of the country has a more colorful or thrilling historical background than southern Utah.”
In 1950 Dr. Driggs was in Cedar City again and addressed the Old Spanish Trail Association. The Iron County Record reported: “He praised the local group for its plans to mark the Old Spanish Trail this fall.” He also said, “the marking of historic trails can make possible enriching experiences for travelers across the nation.”
Cedar City residents became the driving force for marking the Old Spanish Trail along roads from Santa Fé, New Mexico to Los Angeles.
The Old Spanish Trail Association, under the leadership of William R. Palmer, commissioned the artwork for signs to be placed along the route.
Ervin Shope from Helena, Montana did the art work. The signs, made of heavy sheet zinc, measured 37 by 26 inches when framed. They had a picture of Spanish Conquistadors riding horses and driving mules along the trail.
Men from Cedar City distributed the signs to communities all the way from Santa Fé to Los Angeles. Friday, 29 September 1950 was selected as the date when nearly 100 signs were to be installed along the route. A special dedicatory ceremony was held in Cedar City that Friday afternoon.