Introduction To This Blog

Though several books have been written about the Comancheros, few have completely identified the trails that they used to cross the High Plains / Llano Estacado. Several authors, through their research, have identified individual locations where Comancheros camped or found recorded landmarks that they passed. The effect of the plow and time has erased almost all the physical evidence of the trails the Comancheros left behind. However by researching the many pioneer chronicles and listening to the stories told by many of the pioneers has helped to provide additional clues to the trails. This blog was developed to illustrate what we have found so far.

Hope you find this information beneficial and we look forward to your comments.

Thanks,
Pete Odom & Neal Odom

PS - Be sure and check out the links on the left side of this page.

The 5 Trails of the Comancheros

~~ Click on the maps and pictures for a larger view ~~

• The High Plains / Llano Estacado (gray shaded area)



• Region where the Comancheros "acquired" many of their trading goods (yellow shaded area)



• Los Lingos cart trail (in red)



• Los Lingos livestock trail (in blue)



• Blanco Canyon / Running Water Draw trail (in green)



• Mushaway trail (in purple)



• Ransom Canyon / Yellow House Draw (in yellow)

The names of these trails indicate the point where the Comancheros had their stageing areas. These areas provided food, fresh water, wood, livable climate and a buffer zone between them and the people they "acquired" trade goods from.


Understanding Life on the High Plains

To fully appreciate this region you first have to understand that people could not live on the high plains for an extended period of time. It is a vast open sea of grass interrupted occasionally by a playa lake (a small basin that holds water). There were no trees, no hills, no shelter and very little fresh water. Keep in mind that the high plains region was only settled in the 1890's when windmills were brought in, and those were not brought in until the railroads came through. Until then the high plains was simply a place to travel across and a seasonal hunting ground.

The trails the Comancheros used we established over many centuries as nomadic hunters traveled across the high plains in search of animals for food. Fresh running water was the primary reason for the location of a trail. Secondly was how fast (straight line / smooth travel) they could go to the next location for water.

We maped the locations mentioned in books and from pioneer accounts. We also used satelliteimages, topographic maps, our personal knowledge, and site visits; to develop the detail of the trail locations. Through out the rest of this blog you will see what we have pulled together on these trails.

For more on the High Plains / Llano Estacado click http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Llano_Estacado

Go to our other blog posting for more on each of the trails...............