The End of the Santa Fe Trail Historic Marker

The Santa Fe Trail was one of the nations most heavily traveled early transportation routes.  William Becknell in 1821 struck out west from New Franklin Missouri with a load of cargo to trade his goods in Santa Fe. His thinking was that the Mexican revolt against the Spaniards created an opportunity. Mexican troops he met along the way confirmed his suspicions. Becknell left New Franklin a second time in 1822 with more traders in his company and the traffic grew with each successive year. The Santa Fe Trail opened trade between the U.S. and the Mexican government. Many towns located along the trail were established during this time such as Dodge City Kansas which grew further when the railroad arrived and made it a premiere frontier cattle shipping point. Likewise, military forts such as Fort Union in northeastern New Mexico, sprang up with the aim of adding a degree of security for settlers, travelers and freighters. For several years Fort Union was a base for the famed Buffalo Soldiers after the Civil War. 

The trail grew in it's significance and was used extensively by the military during the Civil War. While opening the southwest to trade, the route ran through what was referred to as "Comancheria", the open plains country of the Comanche Indians and traders  found it also profitable trading with the Comanche's along the route. The Comanche's also felt they should be given gifts for allowing the trail to cross their homeland. The Comanche's, who were considered superior warriors, were a big factor in the region just as Texas settlers found out further south. The Santa Fe Trail also opened up the southwest to massive emigration. This was further exemplified by the later Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad which did so much for the growth of Santa Fe and helping it become an artists community. The railroad brought travelers to this area of northern New Mexico along with Fred Harvey, the famous hospitality mogul, whose company operated the La Fonda Hotel for years.



When touring Santa Fe, you will want to note the plaque near the southeast corner of the plaza which commemorates the site of the very end of the Santa Fe Trail. Across the street from the marker is the historic La Fonda Hotel which was once a Harvey House hotel and also marks the end of the Trail.