The Oldest Road in Missouri Was Known by Two Names
Did you know the oldest road in Missouri actually had two different names because multiple groups of people used it?
Where Was Missouri’s Oldest Road Located?
Much like the oldest town in the state, Ste. Genevieve, it only makes sense that Missouri’s oldest road is located there as well. In the late 1700s, this historic route was known by several names. The most well-known was El Camino Real, a trail that ran from New Madrid and Ste. Genevieve to St. Louis.
Why El Camino Real Had Two Names
The road was used by Spanish, French, and Native American travelers. The Spanish called it “El Camino Real,” while the French referred to it as “Rue Royale, ”both names translating to “The Royal Road” or “The Kings Highway.”
While the original road no longer exists, a marker was placed in 1917 to commemorate where it once ran. The marker also highlights the growth of Ste. Genevieve and the expansion of both the town and the surrounding region.
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