This is a trail that dusky warriors beat,
And brave explorers charting out new lands,
And pioneers on ever-questing feet,
And skin-clad trappers, and fierce outlaw bands.
Here walked the conquerors of raging streams
And frowning passes on the danger way.
Here walked proud men pursuing empire dreams,
The makers of a mighty yesterday.
It is no little thing this road to know.
They were the mighty challenge of an age
Who made it vibrant in the long ago.
In Time's great tale it is a living page.
History wrote in a heroic mood.
It is as though the legions of the dead
Built some strange glory in the solitude,
A way of destiny for us to tread.
