What terrain did the Santa Fe Trail in Colorado run through in the 19th century?
“Colorado’s Mountain Branch has the most varied topography of the entire trail. In Kansas and eastern Colorado, it’s an open prairie and the riverbed of the Arkansas River. Eventually, however, there are hills and on a clear day you can soon see them.” See the entire mountain range from the Spanish Peaks all the way up to Pikes Peak. “
Library of Congress / Carol M. HighsmithStill noticeable wagon tracks at a location called Iron Springs from the early and mid-19th century Santa Fe Trail in Otero County, Colorado. Iron Springs was an important water source in the often parched prairie.
Who used the trail back then, what did they wear and how did they transport it?
“You have big operators like Bent, St. Vrain & Company, you have smaller dealers who might own a car or two. They would all band together in the big trailers just to provide protection and security and to help everyone . ” They bring out all manufactured goods they could get their hands on – hardware, textiles, things that could really be brought back from the east. Cattle and silver are probably the two greatest things going east. “
How was life on the Santa Fe Trail?
“There were definitely a lot of difficulties that were dangerous when you didn’t know what to do, even experienced people could have a bad day. It was certainly a tough road. I’ve read reports that it takes them 30 days to walk less than 30 miles east of Kansas in a really wet year because every creek, creek, and river is flooded and they’re up to their axes in mud. “
William Becknell was believed to be the first person to build the Santa Fe Trail 200 years ago. who was he?
“A veteran of the 1812 War, he owned a mill and was hit hard by the financial panic (early 19th century) and was about to go to debtors’ prison. This time marks the start of the beaver trade and the Missouri River begins the era the mountain people.
Spain, which ruled what is now Mexico, imprisoned anyone who came (into the territory) to trade. So Becknell posts an ad asking people to join him on adventures, but he’s not really saying what he’s doing. He takes a couple of men with him and makes a fortune. “
Was there really no existing route before Becknell got through?
“Like any system of trails that leads from the east coast to the Pacific, the first trails are wild trails that are often used by the Native Americans. Then when the Europeans arrived, we say we all discovered these trails, but really did join Indian trails. There was a large trade network between the different Indian groups before contact.
So these are certainly pieced together, we know that the Spaniards came as far as Kansas under Coronado and the Spaniards were very active in what is now Oklahoma and Texas and even undertook expeditions in this part of the world. Zebulon Pike had also come here in the early 19th century and also used part of what became this trail. Really, he (Becknell) puts together routes, uses common sense, and follows wilderness trails. “
NPS / Stuart WestBent’s Old Fort in the morning light with a carreta wagon, conestoga wagon and native prairie grass in the foreground.
How did Bent’s Fort fit the Santa Fe Trail?
“For almost the fort’s entire history, from 1833 to 1849, it is the only structure you will come across on American territory along the way. There was a forge in Council Grove, east Kansas, but it was more like shade shelter, not an actual one Structure.
Bent’s Fort is kind of a constant that has been around for 16 years. If there was a problem with a cart and you need to fix an axle or fix a wheel, this is the place for you, you need to do blacksmithing, this is the place, you need all kinds of supplies, gunpowder, lead, clothes or something like that, you’ve come to the right place.
Other than that, it’s the first place you can go and lose your vigilance. You always had to be aware of that and watch and this is the only place you could relax for a few days when you stayed here. For all of these reasons, it was a really safe haven. “
How long did the Santa Fe Trail play a role in the region?
“The railroad ran through southeast Colorado in 1876 and that started to change things in the area. When the Interstate Highway System was introduced in the 1950s, it changed again. But the Santa Fe Trail is still there. US 50 follow the Santa Fe Trail for a it’s still there between the railroads and some of the modern highways, but not the way it was. “
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
More information about the The Santa Fe Trail 200th Anniversary Commemoration at Bent’s Old Fort:
Bent’s Old Fort is hosting a free event September 23-26 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Santa Fe Trail.
More than 60 interpreters in contemporary clothing will demonstrate life at the fort in 1843. Guest speakers will cover a range of topics such as Music on the Path and Spanish Riding Harness.
Visitors are asked to leave their pets at home and wear masks in the buildings.
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