Santa Fe Trail

1822 - 1872

Photographed By Duane Hall, July 15, 2017

1. Santa Fe Trail Marker

Marker is in poor condition and is not readable

Inscription. The Santa Fe Trail was the main trade route between Franklin MO and Santa Fe NM. The main part of the trail was 780 miles long. Thousands of freight wagons rumbled along the trail each year, except for the winter months. The trail passes several historical sites in the area, as well as many other sites along the trail. The trip took about six weeks, one way. The majority of the wagons were pulled by oxen. Oxen were more efficient because they ate and drank less than horses or mules. They also were less likely to be stolen by Indians. Oxen traveled at one and a half miles per hour. Freighters traded goods (clothes, coffee, flour, sugar and guns) for beaver and buffalo hides. As the rails were laid Westward, the need for the wagons ended.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Santa Fe Trail series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1822.

Location. Marker has been permanently removed. It was located near 38° 6.677′ N, 102° 37.094′ W. Marker was in Lamar, Colorado, in Prowers County. Marker was on Main Street (U.S. 50) 0.3 miles south of Colorado Highway 196, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Lamar CO 81052, United States of America.

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is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this location. A different marker also named Santa Fe Trail (approx. 0.3 miles away); Explore Big Timbers Region (approx. 0.3 miles away); Santa Fe Trail Scenic and Historic Byway (approx. 0.3 miles away); Iraqi Freedom Memorial (approx. 0.3 miles away); Santa Fe Trail, 1821-1880 (approx. 0.3 miles away); Big Timbers Museum Collection (approx. 0.3 miles away); Big Timbers (approx. 0.3 miles away); Madonna of the Trail (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lamar.

Also see . . .
1. Santa Fe National Historic Trail. From the National Park Service website. (Submitted on August 13, 2017.)

2. Santa Fe Trail Association. Official website of the association. (Submitted on August 13, 2017.)

3. Santa Fe Trail - Lamar, CO. Waymarking page on marker and DAR marker. (Submitted on August 13, 2017.)

Additional commentary.
1. 1906 DAR Santa Fe Trail Marker
Next to the featured Santa Fe Trail Marker is a granite stone placed in 1906 to mark

Santa Fe Trail Markers image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane Hall, July 15, 2017

2. Santa Fe Trail Markers

The Santa Fe Trail Marker and the 1906 DAR Santa Fe Trail Marker. Note that the 1906 DAR Santa Fe Trail Marker was permanently moved 3/10 mile north to the Big Timbers Museum Interpretive Plaza.

the route of the Santa Fe Trail. This stone marker is one of 36 markers placed by the Colorado Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution along the route of the Santa Fe Trail in the state of Colorado. The DAR Santa Fe Trail Marker was permanently moved 3/10 mile north to the Big Timbers Museum Interpretive Plaza.

— Submitted August 13, 2017, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.

View to South Along US 50 (Main Street) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane Hall, July 15, 2017

3. View to South Along US 50 (Main Street)

The Arkansas River is located 2,000 feet south of the marker

1906 DAR Santa Fe Trail Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane Hall, July 15, 2017

4. 1906 DAR Santa Fe Trail Marker

This 1906 DAR Santa Fe Trail Marker was permanently moved 3/10 mile north to the Big Timbers Museum Interpretive Plaza.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 1, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 13, 2017, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 361 times since then and 15 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 13, 2017, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photo of marker when it was in better condition. • Can you help?