What is the Santa Fe Trail National Historic Trail?
Santa Fe National Historic Trail. The Santa Fe Trail was a 19th-century transportation route through central North America that connected Franklin, Missouri with Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Who was the father of the Santa Fe Trail?
Becknell was credited as the “Father of the Santa Fe Trail.” Encouraged by Mexico, other business people followed, and trade developed with Santa Fe. Courtesy Denver Public Library, Western Colorado. Pack mules were originally used for trade travel, but mules and oxen worked well in pulling the light, sturdy wagons that were soon used.
What were the hardships of the Santa Fe Trail?
Travelers faced many hardships along the Santa Fe Trail. The trail was a challenging 900 miles (1,400 km) of arid plains, desert, and mountains. The natural climate was and is continental; very hot and dry summers, coupled with long and bitterly cold winters.
Who were the main traders on the Santa Fe Trail?
Beginning in 1826, prominent aristocratic families of New Mexicans, such as the Chávezes, Armijos, Pereas and Oteros entered into the commerce along the trail, such that by 1843, traders from New Mexico and Chihuahua had become the majority of traders involved in the traffic of goods over the Santa Fe Trail.
What was the difference between the Santa Fe Trail and Cimarron Route?
Most, however, used the Cimarron Route, which was shorter and faster but required knowledge of where the route’s scarce water supplies were located. From 1821 until 1846, the Santa Fe Trail was a two-way international commercial highway used by both Mexican and American traders.
What was the weather like on the Santa Fe Trail?
Travelers faced many hardships along the Santa Fe Trail. The trail was a challenging 900 miles (1,400 km) of arid plains, desert, and mountains. The natural climate was and is continental: very hot and dry summers, coupled with long and bitterly cold winters.
What was the Oregon Trail used for in the 1800s?
„A map of the Oregon Trail from the journal kept by Ezra Meeker, titled „The Ox Team“. This trails‘ long history of use started with William Becknell, who was the first of the traders to use this trail. So from 1821 till 1846 this trail’s main use was as a international commercial highway for Mexican and American traders.