Texarkana Installs Signs Marking Historic Trammel’s Trace Trail

The City of Texarkana, Texas, is helping shine a light on a nearly forgotten piece of early Texas history with the installation of ten new signs marking the route of Trammel’s Trace, the first road into Texas from the north.

Developed in partnership with the Texarkana Historic Landmark Commission and historian Gary L. Pinkerton, the signs trace the original path of the trail through public roads and parks. Pinkerton, author of Trammel’s Trace: The First Road to Texas from the North, conducted years of research to help identify the historic route.

“Trammel’s Trace was the first road into Texas from the North and played a crucial role in shaping the early settlement of this region,” said Pinkerton. “It’s exciting to see Texarkana honoring that legacy.”

Named for frontier trader Nicholas Trammell, the trail followed a former Caddo path from the Arkansas Territory into Spanish, and later Mexican, Texas. In 1821, Trammell opened the section from Pecan Point to Nacogdoches, which later became a vital route for early Anglo-American settlers heading to Texas before its independence.

City Historic Preservation Officer Matt Solomon said the project helps connect residents to their local heritage. A new historical marker is also on order through the Texas Historical Commission, with a public dedication planned once it’s installed.

More details about the ceremony will be announced soon. Residents can learn more by visiting City Hall during Texarkana’s upcoming 100th Anniversary celebration or by downloading a trail map at garylpinkerton.com.