What does the Santa Fe Trail go through?

The Trail crosses five States- Missouri, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. In 1821, Mexico gained its independence from Spain’s 200 years of control and unlocked a great gateway to the West- the Santa Fe Trail.

What made the Santa Fe Trail so dangerous?

There were some hazards attached to this very lucrative business. Disasters could result from dangerous water supplies, prairie fires, and attacks by wild Indians. The Santa Fe trail wound its way through some of the most war-like tribes that could be found in North America.

Did people die on the Santa Fe Trail?

Josiah Gregg reported that up to 1843 Indians killed but eleven men on the trail. Losses were greatest from 1864 to 1869, the bloodiest year being 1868, when seventeen stagecoach passengers were captured and burned at Cimarron Crossing.

How long was the Santa Fe Trail?

1 400 km
Santa Fe Trail/Length

Can you walk the Santa Fe Trail?

How do I visit or follow the Trail? The Santa Fe National Historic Trail is not a clearly marked nor continuous hiking trail. Instead it is a corridor that passes through communities as well as wild areas and through different states and land ownership.

What were two main causes of death along the trail?

Nearly one in ten who set off on the Oregon Trail did not survive. The two biggest causes of death were disease and accidents.

Who led the Santa Fe Trail?

William Becknell
Between 1821 and 1880, the Santa Fe Trail was primarily a commercial highway connecting Missouri and Santa Fe, New Mexico. The route was pioneered by Missouri trader William Becknell, who left Franklin, Missouri in September 1821.

How long is the Santa Fe Trail?

Why is it called the Santa Fe Trail?

The Santa Fe Trail (aka, Santa Fe Road) was an ancient passageway used regularly after 1821 by merchant-traders from Missouri who took manufactured goods to Santa Fe to exchange for furs and other items available there. Mexican traders also provided caravans going to western Missouri in this international trade.

How long does it take to walk the Santa Fe Trail?

How long did it take to travel the Trail? For most people, it took 8 to 10 weeks to travel by wagon train between Independence or Westport, Missouri and Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Can I drive the Santa Fe Trail?

You can reach most trail sites by auto or bicycle, or on foot. Some sites are along unpaved roads. A family of road signs has been initiated across the Santa Fe Trail to help you find original routes, trail crossings, and local sites.