As the train rolls through open country, far from cities, towns and farms, try to imagine the region as it was in the 1850s - a thinly populated wilderness. Charged with protecting this vast territory, the U.S. Army faced tremendous challenges just moving men and supplies and maintaining lines of communication.

As the train rolls through open country, far from cities, towns and farms, try to imagine the region as it was in the 1850s - a thinly populated wilderness. Charged with protecting this vast territory, the U.S. Army faced tremendous challenges just moving men and supplies and maintaining lines of communication.

Mesquite is favored for its sweet, smoky flavor, and the meat of choice across Texas is

beef brisket. Throughout the state, you will find many different types of trees and foods, but mesquite and barbeque will always hold a special place in the hearts and stomachs of Texans.

Mesquite is favored for its sweet, smoky flavor, and the meat of choice across Texas is

beef brisket. Throughout the state, you will find many different types of trees and foods, but mesquite and barbeque will always hold a special place in the hearts and stomachs of Texans.

Hondo's rich history is evident in its charming, old historic buildings, and in the much older dinosaur tracks in its creek bed. Hondo was first settled in 1881 and looks as though it was created out of a history book, from the beautiful old brick buildings to multiple homes and businesses flying the American flag.

Hondo's rich history is evident in its charming, old historic buildings, and in the much older dinosaur tracks in its creek bed. Hondo was first settled in 1881 and looks as though it was created out of a history book, from the beautiful old brick buildings to multiple homes and businesses flying the American flag.

As the train tracks traverse central Texas, we cross a 1000-mile historic corridor called El Camino Real de los Tejas. This royal road was established to connect a series of Spanish missions and posts along its length from Monclova, Mexico, across present-day Texas, and into what is now northwestern Louisiana.

As the train tracks traverse central Texas, we cross a 1000-mile historic corridor called El Camino Real de los Tejas. This royal road was established to connect a series of Spanish missions and posts along its length from Monclova, Mexico, across present-day Texas, and into what is now northwestern Louisiana.

The Frio a favorite spot for many Texans, is a spring fed river flowing southeast for about 200 miles until it connects with the Nueces River. As you cross over the railroad truss bridge near Knippa, Texas you can see the Frio down below.

The Frio a favorite spot for many Texans, is a spring fed river flowing southeast for about 200 miles until it connects with the Nueces River. As you cross over the railroad truss bridge near Knippa, Texas you can see the Frio down below.