“The Old Spanish Trail” commemorates the importance of this historic route in the development of our young nation. Its significance is highlighted during 2003 as we celebrate the bicentennial of the Louisiana Purchase. The Old Spanish Trail connected Florida to southern California as early settlers and traders traveled west. Shaw’s painting depicts a portion of the Old Spanish Trail between San Antonio and New Orleans. It was the main route used to drive cattle to the New Orleans market from the 1770’s until the completion of the railroads in the 1870’s. In 1920 it was designated as a national highway. Much of Hwy 90 is built on the original path of the Old Spanish Trail.

Charles Shaw, a native of Austin, Texas is well known for his historically accurate depictions of history. He works in watercolors and oils. His inspiration comes from artists Howard Pyle and John Singer Sargent, and as a young man, was sponsored by Norman Rockwell. Shaw served in the Army National Guard and was on active duty in Fort Polk, Louisiana. His paintings are in many private collections including the San Jacinto Museum of History in Houston, the Franklin Mint, US Air Force Historical Art Collection, the King Ranch, the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame, and Texas A & M University.