WILLIAM BECKNELL EXPEDITION 1821
Captain William Becknell's successful expedition in 1821 demonstrated the feasibility of crossing the plains to trade with Mexico. As a result, the volume of goods carried by pack mules and wagon train grew dramatically during the years which followed Becknell's initial venture. By 1826, the trade had become reciprocal as enterprising Mexican merchants, following the cue of their American counterparts along the Missouri River, sought to share in the newly discovered wealth of prairie commerce.
As the returns from these capitalistic ventures grew, notable companies like Russell, Majors, and Waddell soon sent thousands of wagons onto the plains each year. But, unfortunately, thieves and Indians soon appeared to challenge the wagonmaster for the goods he carried, and violence became a constant companion of the emerging commercial frontier. These malicious marauders were immediately drawn to the Santa Fe Trail, and the continued success of their attacks forced the patrons of the trains to petition the government for protection.
As the returns from these capitalistic ventures grew, notable companies like Russell, Majors, and Waddell soon sent thousands of wagons onto the plains each year. But, unfortunately, thieves and Indians soon appeared to challenge the wagonmaster for the goods he carried, and violence became a constant companion of the emerging commercial frontier. These malicious marauders were immediately drawn to the Santa Fe Trail, and the continued success of their attacks forced the patrons of the trains to petition the government for protection.
Of the two alternatives available to the military for providing some measure of protection along the trail, that of sending detachments of troops down the trail on punitive expeditions from military posts near the eastern terminus of the route or of establishing minor military posts, manned by small detachments, at strategic points along the entire way, neither proved to be entirely satisfactory. Marauding bands of Indians retired before the challenge of a superior force, usually choosing to attack public trains or small military units rather than to risk the chance of a significant defeat. As soon as a sizable military force had withdrawn in frustration, the Indians were free to continue their attacks on less dangerous prey.
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Perhaps the most vulnerable location for attacks on trains moving over the Santa Fe Trail was at the Cimarron Crossing of the Arkansas River. This site had initially served as a favorite rendezvous point for mountain trappers after the Arkansas River west of the Great Bend had become a portion of the United States' western international boundary with Spain by the provisions of the Adams-Onis Treaty of 1819. As a result, the Cimarron soon became a sizable camping and trading ground, which was used various times by mountain men, traders, wagon trains, military detachments, and Indians.
Wagon trains usually rested for several days at the Cimarron before continuing along the trail. Indians, drawn to the campsites to trade and beg, often attacked these trains during the fording when they were most vulnerable. Even significant, well-armed trains could be overrun if the attack was timed to fall on the travelers while the river's waters split their numbers.
Wagon trains usually rested for several days at the Cimarron before continuing along the trail. Indians, drawn to the campsites to trade and beg, often attacked these trains during the fording when they were most vulnerable. Even significant, well-armed trains could be overrun if the attack was timed to fall on the travelers while the river's waters split their numbers.
The Santa Fe Trail
The history of Southwest Kansas would not be complete without the trading companies' expansion along the Santa Fe Trails. The founding of the Santa Fe Trail is one of the most significant contributions to the expansionist doctrine of Manifest Destiny, leading to the war with Mexico that occurred on January 29, 1822. It began when crowds of people formed along the dirt streets of Franklin, Missouri, as a party of four men rode in from the West. The men, lead by William Becknell, had returned from a five-month trading expedition. Many Americans were suffering from the depression brought on by the Panic of 1819. William Becknell of Franklin, Missouri, was one of these men who were deeply in debt. To Becknell, his only hope seemed to be found in Mexico. He risked everything to make a profit from trade goods. He and his small party arrived with calico cloth valued at approximately $300.
On September 1, 1821, William Becknell's exploration party departed to find a trade route to sell merchandise in Santa Fe, New Mexico. On that day, Becknell emerged not only as a hero of the western frontier, but as a trader destined to make his fortune. It is reported that he returned to Missouri about three months later with nearly $6,000 in silver coins. Thus began the race to Santa Fe along the roughly 900-mile trail, two-thirds of which lay within present day Kansas borders. Successful traders returned with gold, silver coins, wool, and mules.
The Santa Fe Trail became America's first commercial highway. The Santa Fe Trail served as a thoroughfare for countless traders, pioneers, and the military. It played a crucial role in the westward expansion connecting Missouri to Santa Fe and New Mexico.
The international trading between Mexico and the United States continued until the Mexican-American War (1846-1848) when Santa Fe and the surrounding area became part of U.S. territory. The focus of the trail changed after the war. Large companies of freighters now transported millions of pounds of military freight and trade items to both western forts and the villages of the Southwest as our nation expanded. |
The trail eventually extended into a mail and stagecoach route and a road to the West for settlers, gold seekers, and others. The trail officially ended in 1880 with the arrival of the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway at Lamy station near Santa Fe, but the lure of the story lives on today.
Traversing the Santa Fe Trail: A Journey Into America's Frontier Expansion, Deception, and Untamed Wild
As the nation was growing and stretching its borders, a lifeline for traders, pioneers, and the military alike was born - the Santa Fe Trail. This first commercial highway in America began with an audacious five-month expedition by a daring trader, William Beknell. This podcast episode takes us on a thrilling journey, retracing the footsteps of Beknell, revealing tales of deception, bravery, and adventure.
The episode starts by providing an insightful historical background of the Santa Fe Trail. This was the result of Beknell's brave gamble for prosperity in Mexico, sparking the birth of the Santa Fe Trail. The trail extended to become a mail and stagecoach route for settlers, gold-seekers, and many more as the nation expanded. It connected Missouri to Santa Fe and New Mexico, serving as an international trading route until the Mexican-American War of 1846 to 1848. |
The narrative then shifts to Council Grove, one of the busiest places on the Santa Fe Trail. This was the last chance for travelers to obtain supplies before crossing the plains. Council Grove holds significant historical value as it was instrumental in America's frontier expansion.
However, the Santa Fe Trail is not without its dark tales. One such tale is of Peacock, a trader whose indiscretion led to his tragic demise. Peacock was deceived by Satank, a crafty Native American, who tricked him into his doom. This gripping story of deception and death highlights the dangers that traders and travelers faced on the trail.
The podcast episode also discusses the perilous crossing at the Arkansas River, known as a notorious hunting ground for Native Americans. This was a crucial point along the Santa Fe Trail, with many historical events and conflicts taking place there.
Throughout the episode, listeners get an immersive experience of the wild splendor and the raw, untamed reality of America's early expansion years. The episode meticulously unravels the intriguing tales of bravery, adventure, and deception that define the Santa Fe Trail's rich history.
This episode offers a fascinating exploration of a significant period in America's history. It provides an engaging and comprehensive understanding of the Santa Fe Trail, its formation, significance, and the captivating tales it holds. This is a must-listen for history enthusiasts and anyone intrigued by the untamed wild of America's early expansion years.
However, the Santa Fe Trail is not without its dark tales. One such tale is of Peacock, a trader whose indiscretion led to his tragic demise. Peacock was deceived by Satank, a crafty Native American, who tricked him into his doom. This gripping story of deception and death highlights the dangers that traders and travelers faced on the trail.
The podcast episode also discusses the perilous crossing at the Arkansas River, known as a notorious hunting ground for Native Americans. This was a crucial point along the Santa Fe Trail, with many historical events and conflicts taking place there.
Throughout the episode, listeners get an immersive experience of the wild splendor and the raw, untamed reality of America's early expansion years. The episode meticulously unravels the intriguing tales of bravery, adventure, and deception that define the Santa Fe Trail's rich history.
This episode offers a fascinating exploration of a significant period in America's history. It provides an engaging and comprehensive understanding of the Santa Fe Trail, its formation, significance, and the captivating tales it holds. This is a must-listen for history enthusiasts and anyone intrigued by the untamed wild of America's early expansion years.
Map of the Santa Fe Trail
Rock Creek Springs Number One
One of the first stops along the trail was the village of Overbrook located in Osage county. Overbrook, a famous crossing, had a saloon, toll bridge, blacksmith shop, and stage station. About 1.5 miles east of Overbrook, was a place called Rock Creek Springs #1. This was a campground and a watering stop. A man named Daniel Walters settled the land at Rock Creek, which was later owned by V. C. Bryson and still called by some today, the “Old Bryson Farm.” Walters erected a large stone store and hotel building which held the post office established in October 1858. He also built himself a two-story house with a basement. Though he called his “settlement” and post office “Walton,” it continued to be known by Santa Fe Trail travelers, as Rock Spring No. 1.
Walnut Creek Crossing
In the summer of 1855, two hardy, experienced plainsmen, William Allison and Francis Booth, ventured to establish a Santa Fe Trail trading post at Walnut Creek Crossing on the great bend of the Arkansas River. The site was in the heart of the buffalo range and 132 miles beyond the frontier settlement of Council Grove. Located in the region of the nomadic Plains tribes involved some risk. Still, Allison and Booth, as former conductors of the Santa Fe-route monthly U.S. mail, had become acquainted with the Indians and were fully aware of the hazards. One objective of these Missourians was to set up trade relations with the Kiowas and Comanches. Besides furnishing some provisions to the Indians and travelers, pleasure-seeking parties were offered a rare chance to kill a buffalo.
Booth and Allison were probably the first dude ranchers. In September 1857, the Allison & Booth partnership ended abruptly. Booth was murdered by a Mexican who split his head open with an ax. Allison continued to run the Walnut Creek Ranch. After 1864, a rude structure, Ft. Zarah, offered protection to traders.
Booth and Allison were probably the first dude ranchers. In September 1857, the Allison & Booth partnership ended abruptly. Booth was murdered by a Mexican who split his head open with an ax. Allison continued to run the Walnut Creek Ranch. After 1864, a rude structure, Ft. Zarah, offered protection to traders.
Pawnee Rock
Twenty-five miles up the Arkansas River from Walnut Creek is Pawnee Rock, a landmark and a stopping place for travelers. The Rock was considered the mid-point of the long road between Independence, Missouri, and Santa Fe, New Mexico, lying between long stretches of dry plains. Water, provided by the nearby Arkansas River, and fresh meat, obtained by plentiful game, was vital to the survival of the wagon trains. Here, many conflicts with lurking Indians occurred. The rock was one hundred feet high and it covered nearly four acres until settlers quarried stone from it’s sides for fences. The Indians called it a gift of the Great Spirit, but to traders, it was just another camping ground and a bronzed limestone slate on which their names could be added to those of Kit Carson and others.
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East of Pawnee Fork
The Santa Fe Trail divided five miles east of Pawnee Fork. The Long Route followed the Arkansas River to Fort Dodge while the Dry Route left the river a few miles to the Southwest, joining with the other, about a hundred miles upriver. The two branches merged near the location of what became Ft. Dodge in 1864, only to divide again at Cimarron Crossing. One branch ascended the Arkansas to Bent’s Fort, while the other crossed the river at two or more places and ran southwest across the Cimarron to Moro. At that place, the Bent’s Fort or Raton branch joined it.
The wagons, which crossed the Arkansas River at the fords, either seventeen or twenty-five miles above Ft. Dodge, or at Bent’s Fort, often experienced great difficulty. The swift stream swept the bottom as level as a floor at one time, while the next minute, the shifting sand assumed the proportions of huge boulders. One freighter probably voiced the sentiments of many when he called it a "contemptuous stream" sprawled out in the middle of the plains.
The wagons, which crossed the Arkansas River at the fords, either seventeen or twenty-five miles above Ft. Dodge, or at Bent’s Fort, often experienced great difficulty. The swift stream swept the bottom as level as a floor at one time, while the next minute, the shifting sand assumed the proportions of huge boulders. One freighter probably voiced the sentiments of many when he called it a "contemptuous stream" sprawled out in the middle of the plains.
The Cimarron Crossing
The long trail between Franklin, Missouri and Santa Fe, New Mexico saw thousands of wagons pass as they traveled the Mountain Branch west of Dodge City along the north bank of the Arkansas River into Colorado.A shorter, but more dangerous route to Santa Fe was the Cimarron Cutoff, which crossed the river near Dodge City heading southwest to the Cimarron River. This trail was much more dangerous due to the vast spaces of waterless sand hills and increased risk of Indian attacks. In spite of all the hazards, this route was preferred by many traders and travelers because there were no mountains to be crossed and the distance to Santa Fe was somewhat shorter then the Mountain Route.
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The Santa Fe Trail was in many ways a microcosm of westward expansion, and a study of its history is a study of much of the early frontier West. This was all in the past, but that past is still close to those now alive. At points in northeastern New Mexico you can look out across a vista that appears today as it did to Coronado in 1541, to Pedro Vial in 1792, to Kit Carson in 1826, and to the wagon masters of Alexander Majors in 1858. Frame your view properly and you will see not a house, a fence, or a sign of man's passing. Shift your view slightly and you can plainly see the remains of the old Trail, with so many variant ruts that the wide trace looks like a narrow field plowed a few summers ago. Historians know that dates are only convenient bench marks on a map of time. In one sense it is correct to say that the Santa Fe Trail began with the 1821-22 expedition of Becknell and his men, but Becknell was not the first on the route; he was only the first to start regular commerce over an already beaten path.
The Mountain Route
The Mountain Route officially began near the Arkansas River Crossing area. Instead of crossing the river the Mountain Route took the trains along the river westward to Bents Fort. Most wagons traveled on the north side of the river. Beyond the Cimarron, crossing was about sixty-five or seventy miles of treeless, waterless desert. This route was the Journey of the Dead because of the presence of so many bleaching skeletons of oxen that had died of thirst. The soil changed to sandy loam. Bluestem grass, crown grass, buffalo grass, two heath varieties, and several kinds of weeds were observed. Between the Cimarron Crossing and Bent’s Fort was nothing but monotony. The trail to Fort Bent exceeded as a dull monotony of the journey along the Arkansas.
Bent’s Fort, located near the Purgatoire River's mouth, had long served as a trading post. Bent’s Fort, also known as Fort William, was initially built by Bent, St. Vrain, on the Arkansas River's north bank in 1833. The Trading Company was owned by William Bent and his brother, Charles Bent, and Ceran St. Vrain.
The Fort began as a fur-trading stop for mountain men, settlers, teamsters, and Plains Indians, but it quickly became a respite location for those traveling the Santa Fe Trail. When disease and misfortune struck Bent’s Fort in 1849, Bent and company abandoned it and later destroyed it. The story goes, Bent loaded sixteen wagons with goods, fired the Fort, and drove away as the powder within the building exploded and laid waste to the walls. In 1853 a new trading post was built called Bent’s New Fort on a bluff further downriver at Big Timbers. |
In 1854 the Government located a military post above the old Fort. Ten years later, Ft. Lyon was erected on the Arkansas a few miles east of the Purgatoire River. The Trail crossed the Arkansas west of the Purgatoire's mouth and then followed this river to the Baton Mountains. A freighter who went over the route in 1857 testified that the water was more scarce and the sand deeper than on the Cimarron River.
In many ways, the Santa Fe Trail was a microcosm of westward expansion, and a study of its history is a study of much of the early frontier, west. The west's expansion is all in the past, but that past is still close to those now alive. At points in northeastern New Mexico, you can look out across a vista that appears today as it did to Coronado in 1541, to Pedro Vial in 1792, to Kit Carson in 1826, and to the wagon masters of Alexander Majors in 1858. Frame your view precisely, and you will see not a house, a fence, or a sign of man's passing.
Historians know that dates are only convenient benchmarks on a map of time. In one sense, it is correct to say that the Santa Fe Trail began with the 1821-22 expedition of Becknell and his men, but Becknell was not the first on the route; he was only the first to start regular commerce over an already beaten path.
In many ways, the Santa Fe Trail was a microcosm of westward expansion, and a study of its history is a study of much of the early frontier, west. The west's expansion is all in the past, but that past is still close to those now alive. At points in northeastern New Mexico, you can look out across a vista that appears today as it did to Coronado in 1541, to Pedro Vial in 1792, to Kit Carson in 1826, and to the wagon masters of Alexander Majors in 1858. Frame your view precisely, and you will see not a house, a fence, or a sign of man's passing.
Historians know that dates are only convenient benchmarks on a map of time. In one sense, it is correct to say that the Santa Fe Trail began with the 1821-22 expedition of Becknell and his men, but Becknell was not the first on the route; he was only the first to start regular commerce over an already beaten path.
Bent's Old Fort |
Bent's Old Fort was an outpost of American civilization situated on the southwestern edge of the American frontier. A symbol of Manifest Destiny, the fort was located on the Mountain Branch of the Santa Fe Trail, the crossroads of trade among the Indians of the plains, the trappers of the mountains, and the traders of the Southwest. Bent's Old Fort was the largest of all the trading posts in the mountain-plains region. The people who built and maintained the fort, and many of those who visited it, were essentially those who, driven by economic necessity and commercial understanding, carried forward the Americanization of the area during the 1830s and 1840s.
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In the 1830s, the trade on the Santa Fe Trail increased as the fur trade market decreased. With the beaver virtu trapped out of the Missouri River drainage area and the introduction of the silk hat into European and American fashion, the fur trade market was severely affected. The independent trappers, such as Ceran St. Vrain and William and Charles Bent, were forced south into the Arkansas River valley to pursue the beaver, where they were exposed to the embryonic but highly lucrative Santa Fe trade. The Cheyenne had crossed the South Platte River and entered the upper Arkansas River region by 1827, opening up a new trading area.