Historic Texas Road Found, Preserved in Artavia Dev.

**Ancient Texas Thoroughfare Unearthed in Montgomery County, Set for Preservation**

**MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX –** A rare and remarkably preserved section of an early 19th-century Texas stagecoach road, known to historians as “Old Liberty Road” or “Old Stagecoach Road,” has been unearthed during development work for the new Artavia community in Montgomery County, just south of Conroe. The discovery offers a tangible link to the state’s frontier era, promising to become a unique historical feature for future residents.

The significant stretch of road, believed to date back to the early 1800s, was part of the broader Liberty-Nacogdoches Road, itself a crucial segment of the legendary Old San Antonio Road – El Camino Real de los Tejas. This vital artery connected early Spanish missions and American settlements, serving as a lifeline for trade, communication, and westward expansion. Historical accounts suggest that iconic figures such as Sam Houston, particularly during the turbulent mid-1830s leading up to the Texas Revolution, along with countless early Texas settlers, Native Americans, and pioneers transporting goods, would have traversed this very path.

The discovery occurred recently during routine survey work at the northwest corner of the Artavia development, an Airia Development Company project, near the San Jacinto River. The initial find caught the attention of local historical enthusiasts, prompting a collaborative authentication effort. Volunteers with the Montgomery County Historical Commission, notably Dr. Vincent Michael, Executive Director of the Houston Preservation Alliance, and local historian Gertie Spencer, were instrumental in identifying and verifying the road’s authenticity.

“This isn’t just a dirt path; it’s a living timeline etched into the Texas landscape,” Dr. Michael stated, highlighting the meticulous detective work involved. “We pieced together its location by cross-referencing antiquated maps, studying old historical markers, and even observing subtle clues like decades-old fence lines and the patterns of mature trees that grew alongside the original route. To find such a clear, intact segment is truly exceptional.”

The Old San Antonio Road, designated a National Historic Trail, historically stretched from Mexico into Louisiana, playing a pivotal role in the exploration and colonization of Texas. The Liberty-Nacogdoches segment was particularly important for connecting the burgeoning eastern settlements with the future capital at Washington-on-the-Brazos and beyond.

What makes this discovery particularly noteworthy is the immediate commitment to its preservation. Airia Development Company has partnered actively with the Montgomery County Historical Commission to protect this invaluable piece of Texas heritage. They have designated a substantial 150-foot wide corridor along the unearthed road, ensuring its integrity against future development.

“We understand the immense historical value of this discovery and feel a deep responsibility to protect it for future generations,” said a representative from Airia Development Company. “Our vision is for this ancient thoroughfare to become a central, educational feature within Artavia. We plan to integrate it into a future linear park or trail system, allowing our residents and visitors to literally walk in the footsteps of Texas’s past, connecting with a profound part of our shared history.”

This tangible link to a time before modern highways offers a unique educational opportunity, illustrating the rugged challenges and significant journeys that shaped the Lone Star State. The preservation efforts at Artavia ensure that this remarkable piece of Texas’s foundational history will be honored and accessible, telling its story for centuries to come.