Why is the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail a national trail?
The Anza Expedition of 1775/1776 had far reaching consequences for the eventual development of an important region of the United States. It helped to establish a strategic northern Spanish military outpost that eventually evolved into the modern City of San Francisco. The creation of the trail also established important links between California and the rest of New Spain, Mexico today. It provides the opportunity to present the legacy of Spain and Mexico in California and Arizona and to connect with Hispanic populations. Public interest in the trail was stimulated during the 1975/76 bicentennial when the Anza trek was reenacted following the diaries of the expedition to the day and the hour for the entire route, beginning in Mexico City. This reenactment was organized by the bicentennial committees of each state and Mexico, and the committees within each county. George Cardinet, Director of Heritage Trails Fund (HTF), organized the equestrian part of the trek. After the reenactment, HTF
