What was the history of the Santa Fe Trail?
A Brief History. From 1821 until 1846, the Santa Fe Trail was a two-way international commercial highway used by both Mexican and American traders. Then, in 1846, the Mexican-American War began, and a few months later, America’s Army of the West followed the Santa Fe Trail westward to successfully invaded New Mexico.
Where was bent’s fort in the Santa Fe Trail?
In 1834, Bent’s Fort, a fur trade post on the upper Arkansas River, was established near La Junta, Colorado.
When did the Santa Fe Trail reach Raton Pass?
The winner of that competition, the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad, reached the top of Raton Pass in late 1878. Additional track mileage further shortened the effective distance of the Santa Fe. Then, in February 1880, the railroad reached Santa Fe, and the trail faded into history.
How did the traders get to Santa Fe?
Not surprisingly, others got into the trade soon after Becknell returned, and by 1825 goods from Missouri were not only being traded in Santa Fe, but to other points farther south as well. Some traders used the so-called Mountain Route, which offered more dependable water but required an arduous trip over Raton Pass.
How many miles is the Santa Fe Trail in Kansas?
In 1990 when the National Park Service surveyed the trail, they came up with these figures. Kansas Montain Route is 401 miles. Kansas Cimarron Route is 446 miles. This information taken from the book „Santa Fe National Historic Trail Comprehensive Management and Use Plan“ National Park Service, May 1990.
Is there a store on the Santa Fe Trail?
The SFTA Last Chance Store, founded as part of the Santa Fe Trail Association in 1987 and operated entirely by volunteers, offers books, maps, prints, posters, pins, music, and other items related to the Trail. You can also sign-up or renew your SFTA membership, or make a donation to the SFTA through the Last Chance Store.