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Santa Fe National Historic TrailTheme(s): Westward Expansion | |
Description:
Between 1821 and 1880, the Santa Fe Trail was primarily a commercial highway connecting Missouri and Santa Fe, New Mexico. From 1821 until 1846, it was an international commercial highway used by Mexican and American traders. In 1846, the Mexican-American War began. The Army of the West followed the Santa Fe Trail to invade New Mexico. When the Treaty of Guadalupe ended the war in 1848, the Santa Fe Trail became a national road connecting the United States to the new southwest territories. Commercial freighting along the trail continued, including considerable military freight hauling to supply the southwestern forts. The trail was also used by stage coach lines, thousands of gold seekers heading to the California and Colorado gold fields, adventurers, fur trappers, and some emigrants. In 1880 the railroad reached Santa Fe and the trail faded into history.
The Santa Fe National Historic Trail is administered by the National Park Service in partnership with other federal, state, and local agencies, non-profit organizations, and private landowners.
Accessibility:
National Park Service units along the Santa Fe National Historic Trail, such as Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site and Fort Union National Monument, generally meet ADA accessibility standards. However, because of the varied nature and rural character of the variety of the certified sites that make up the Santa Fe National Historic Trail, it is best to inquire locally about accessibility when you contact specific sites for visitation.
Getting Around:
An auto tour route has been marked along major highways that closely follow the original trail route. Follow the signs with the distinctive orange and maroon Santa Fe National Historic Trail logo. Use guidebooks, ask locally, or check the Expanded website for directions to individual trail sites.
Activites:
Auto_Touring | Educational Programs | Hiking | And more.
Directions to Santa Fe National Historic Trail
Plane:
A number of airports, both large and small, are found along the trail including Kansas City, Jefferson City, and St. Louis, Missouri; Wichita,and Topeka, Dodge City, Great Bend, and Garden City, Kansas; Albuquerque and Santa Fe, New Mexico; Denver, Colorado Springs, and Pueblo, Colorado.
Car:
Most trail sites are accessible only by car, bicycle, or on foot. Some sites are accessible only by unpaved roads.
Public Transportation
Commercial bus service is available to many cities and towns along the trail
Attractions:
Kansas Division of Travel and Tourism
Phone:800-252-6727
Missouri Division of Tourism
New Mexico Department of Tourism
Phone:800-545-2040, ext. 751
Oklahoma Tourism and Recreation Department
Phone:800-652-6552
Colorado Welcome Center
Phone:719-846-9512
Nearby Parks:
Bent's Old Fort National Historic Site
Fort Larned National Historic Site
Fort Union National Monument
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New Mexico Road Maps (NM Maps)
New Mexico Photos