|
 |
| Some of the artifacts
in the museum |
Frontier Soldier Life
The 100 soldiers stationed at Los Adaes were Mexican cavalrymen who served
to defend the San Miguel mission and other missions in east Texas, as
well as to escort missionaries and the governor on their travels through
the province. As frontier posts were expected to be self-sufficient, the
soldiers also doubled as farmers and herdsmen.
Life at Los Adaes was harsh. Poor land and crop failures
meant constant food shortages and rainy weather often meant spoiled supplies.
The nearest Spanish supply post was 800 miles away and that distance,
combined with rain, foods and hostile Native Americans, resulted in chronic
shortages of everything. Without the trade of the French at Natchitoches,
the inhabitants of Los Adaes would have starved.
A Spirit Of Cooperation
 |
| Some of the artifacts
in the museum |
Except for one raid by the French upon Los Adaes, relations
between the Spanish and French in the frontier outposts were, as a matter
of necessity, friendly. Although Spain strictly prohibited trade with
the French, the latter eagerly sought it.
 |
| Some of the artifacts
in the museum |
The French took advantage of supply shortages at Los Adaes,
and an illicit trade soon flourished between the two posts. Even the governors
at Los Adaes took part. The Indians traded with both sides and this commerce
became so important that Natchitoches suffered a recession when Los Adaes
closed in 1773.
Louisiana was transferred to Spain in 1762. In the subsequent Royal Regulations
of 1772, Spain ordered Los Adaes closed and the inhabitants moved to San
Antonio. Nearly 500 soldiers and family members endured the hardships
of this relocation, and many soon left San Antonio to found the present-day
city of Nacogdoches, Texas. Others eventually returned to Louisiana, where
their descendants live today.
DIRECTIONS: FROM MANY, LA - Take Highway 6 East
toward Natchitoches, La. After passing through Robeline, La (and watching
for local police radar) proceed 1 mile East of the junction of Highway
6 and 120 to the junction of Highway 485 and 6. Turn North on Hwy. 485
and proceed 0.5 mile to the park entrance.
Programs at Los Adaes: Los Adaes regularly presents
programs of historical interest. Check the Area
Calendar of Events to see what is coming up. In September there is
also an annual "Trades Day" where traders and crafters offer
and demonstrate traditional trades such as candle making, beadwork, outdoor
cooking, storytelling, and more.
Unless otherwise noted, all pictures by Frank Dutton
Related history site: http://www.geocities.com/adaesanos/
For more information: http://www.crt.state.la.us/crt/parks/losades/losadaes.htm
|
