|
|
|
Self Guided Road Tours
over historic roads in
Sabine County, Texas
|
In
1691 the first Spanish provincial Governor of Texas, Domingo Teran de los
Rios, ordered that a trail be blazed as a direct route from Monclova, then
a capital of the province, to the Spanish Missions established among the
Indians of East Texas in 1690. This route, known as the Old San Antonio
Road, King's Highway, or El Camino Real, is still in use today and designated
Texas State Highway 21.
West of the Sabine River (now Toledo Bend Reservoir) the Old
San Antonio Road swung slightly south and westward. An artesian spring on
the road located about 7 miles west of the Sabine River became a favorite
camping spot. From this point (later the town of Milam), routes paralleling
the Sabine River were established northward and southward. As the population
grew other routes were established that connected the growing communities
in different parts of the country. Some of these routes, still unpaved,
are in use today. These old country lanes provide visitors with an opportunity
to enjoy a quiet drive over wooden bridges and shaded, rock strewn creeks.
Mentioned here are several easily accessed self-guided tour
routes. We are proud of our country and encourage you to explore and enjoy.
The Old San Antonio Road begins
in Texas at the Pendleton Bridge on Toledo Bend Reservoir. Follow Highway
21 westward from the bridge through Milam and Geneva. The Old San Antonio
Road exits Sabine County between Geneva and Ford's Corner.
The Chambers' Ferry Road, now
designated FM 276, is one of the oldest roads in Sabine County and dates
from the days of Spanish sovereignty. During the late 1700s travelers crossed
the Sabine River on what was then Crow's Ferry at the mouth of Patroon Bayou.
The road took them westward to the small settlement of Geneva. For a tour
through deep, wooded ravines and quiet countryside drive north on Highway
87 through Milam to the intersection of FM 276. At this intersection turn
left onto the dirt road to begin your tour. Continue straight at the "Y".
At the pavement, turn left toward Geneva and Highway 21. This tour will
take approximately 30 minutes.
The Old Sexton Road connected
Geneva with the small community of Sexton. This paved road is one of the
more picturesque country lanes in Sabine County. Drive west on Highway 21
to Geneva. In Geneva turn right onto FM 330. This road intersects Highway
87; turn right onto Highway 87 to return to Milam and Hemphill. This is
about a 20 minute drive.
The Camp Ground Road was an alternate
route to San Augustine during the days of the Republic of Texas. Rather
than take the Old San Antonio Road, travelers could swing slightly southwestward
out of Milam and follow the top of a ridge and thus avoid crossing several
branches and creeks. Parts of the road are sunk deeply into the ground from
the passages of many wagon wheels in years past. To begin a tour of a section
of this road drive north on Highway 87 from Hemphill. Less than 1/2 mile
south of the intersection of Highway 21 and Highway 87 in Milam, take a
left onto the dirt road where you will see the sign "Camp Ground Church".
Bear right at the first "Y" in the road. At the second "Y"
in the road at the top of a hill, bear left. At the paved road, FM 1592,
take a left towards Hemphill. This is about a 30 minute drive.
The Old River Road once paralleled
the Sabine River and passed through old Sabinetown, a busy river port during
and after the Republic of Texas era. Most sections of this road have been
inundated by the waters of Toledo Bend Reservoir, however, a section now
designated FR 115 intersects with FM 83 east of Hemphill and transverses
the Indian Mounds Wilderness Area. To take this route, go east on FM 83
and turn right on FR 115. |
|
Copyright © 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 by Frank Dutton, Many, LA 71449 - All
rights reserved
E-Mail
Webmaster This web site designed, maintained, hosted by Frank
Dutton Web Design
NOTE: Every effort is made to have accurate
information, but we do not guarantee the accuracy of any information and you
use the information presented here at your own risk.
PRIVACY:
On some pages we use third-party advertising companies to serve ads when you visit our website. These companies may use information (not including your name, address, email address, or telephone number) about your visits to this and other websites in order to provide advertisements about goods and services of interest to you. If you would like more information about this practice and to know your choices about not having this information used by these companies, click here.
|
