Named after a Spanish Missionarry
who used it to bring Catholicism to people in the mountains of northern Luzon. This
27 mile trail runs climbs over 5,000' from Santa Maria to Santa
Fe along ridgelines large enough for
foot traffic and horses. It terminates to the junction with Route 5 and the Cagayan
Valley.
Battle of Villa Verde Trail
After the American landing at Lingayen Gulf on January 9, 1945, Japanese
forces of the 'Shobu Group' defended this location, including 10th Recconssaiance Regimen and survivors of the 7th Tank Regiment from the battle of San Manuel.
The US Army 32nd Infantry Division's 127th Infantry Regiment advanced along
this trail beginning on January 30, 1945. The
rough terrain made it impossible for vehicles to support the battle, Igorot
laborers were employed to carry supplies and evacuate wounded.
Kongo Fortress
By February 23,
they had reached the high ground. The Kongo Fortress, located four miles
north Imugan was reached in early March. The fortress was the site of a three
week battle that resulted in 1,000 Japanese KIA.
Salacsac Pass
Area of steep slopes. Defenders of the 2nd Tank Division used eight removed turrets from their tanks as fixed pillboxes, fighting here until May 24th against American forces, loosing 2,300 from the 2nd Tank Division and 3,400 from other units.
Solvec Cove
On April 7th American fighters flew 130+ sorties in support of ground
forces at Solvec Cove, Villa Verde Trail.
119 Day Battle
The 127th Infantry Regiment was relieved
by the 128th Infantry Regiment, that fought on the trail until May 28th. The battle lasted 119 days, while outnumbered 2:1, and resulted in an estimated
8,900 Japanese KIAs.