SAN ANTONIO – Before cars and highways, people followed El Camino Real de los Tejas to travel between Mexico, Texas and Louisiana. That trail played a key part in making San Antonio the city it is today. The trail system starts around Laredo and near Eagle Pass, goes up through San Antonio and into eastern Texas into Louisiana. The importance of this trail system is why El Camino Real de los Tejas National Historic Trail Association was created to help preserve and mark it. Related:‘Hispanics have an incredible history that hasn’t been told’: San Antonio businessman creates website about Tejano history

SAN ANTONIO – Texas history is something we all learned about when we were in school and most of it centers around the Texas Revolution in the 1800s, but Tejano history dates much further into the 1600s. His passion for Tejano history began when he started researching roots of his own family. Texas Tejano has also expanded its discoveries by hosting exhibits across the state and inside the state capitol, produced historical documentaries, published books and put on plays. “It’s an incredible legacy and heritage to know, to have, and it’s an inspiration because it gives us identity,” Rodriguez said. “We developed Texas, we’ve built it and we’re still here.”Related Hispanic Heritage stories:Here’s why Hispanic Heritage Month starts in the middle of SeptemberNonprofit kicks off Hispanic Heritage Month with free virtual events25 influential Latinos in San Antonio