It gave troops and armies supplies they needed, and allowed them communication. It also formed early political boundaries. This trail enabled immigration which was very important for the empresarios and settlements. With the immigration, the trail helped to colonize and populate Texas. (The immigrants led to the revolt against Mexico, and then the independence of Texas, and later statehood.)After the independence of Texas, the course of this trail changed to assist the development of new markets, settlements, and allowed access to coastal