Route of Marcy’s Trail

Mapped by Captain Randolph B Marcy in charge of U.S. Army detail guarding citizens bound for California Gold Rush. <br> Captain Marcy exploded theory that West Texas was a desert. In making his map, he traveled along a chain of springs and lakes known to Comanche guide Manuel, in October 1849. Reached the Big Spring-a site marked by many converging Indian trails. <br> From here he went northeast toward the Red River.<br> Trail was later used by many emigrants, and was followed by a transcontinental railroad and stagecoach line.