Springer in Colfax County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)
The Santa Fe Trail
Santa Fe Trail National Scenic Byway
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 22, 2015
1. The Santa Fe Trail Marker
Traveling on the Santa Fe Trail, the commercial road which ran 900 miles between Franklin, Missouri, and Santa Fe, New Mexico, could be long, hard, and dangerous. Obtaining water was sometimes a problem and, along with breakdowns and bad weather, travelers had to cope with disease and the threat of Indian attacks.But not all travelers disliked the adventure. Journal accounts of the time are full of the wonder of discovery of new cultures, foods, and lands, and the profits to be made mitigated many a hardship. The era of the trail came to an end with the arrival of the railroad in 1880.
”There stretched out before us, was… a fresh-minted world under a glorious turquoise sky. Sunbonnets bobbed merrily over cooking fires, on the air a smell of coffee… Drivers were calling, “Get up there! Come along, boys!” Bull whips were cracking and all about the heavy wagons began groaning… we were off for another day on the trail.”
—Marion Sloan Russell from her memoir, Land of Enchantment, about her trips on the trail in the 1850s
Sights Nearby
St. James Hotel, Cimarron
Built
this page online
Philmont Museum & Seton Memorial Library, Rayado
On the grounds of the Philmont Boy Scout Camp on Route 21 south of Cimarron, this museum offers informative exhibits about the Santa Fe Trail.
Point of Rocks
Reachable by a private road off of Highway 56, this outcropping was an important landmark and campsite on the Santa Fe Trail.
Erected by Santa Fe Trail National Scenic Byway.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Santa Fe Trail series list.
Location. 36° 21.837′ N, 104° 35.732′ W. Marker is in Springer, New Mexico, in Colfax County. Marker is on Maxwell Avenue (Business Interstate 25) north of 6th Street, on the right when traveling north. Marker is located beside the walkway near the Santa Fe Trail Museum (former Colfax County Courthouse) entrance. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Springer NM 87747, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 2 other markers are within walking distance of this marker
Courtesy North Wind Picture Archives
2. Marker detail: Wagon Train
Also see . . . Santa Fe National Historic Trail: A Brief History. 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. Some traders used the so-called Mountain Route, which offered more dependable water but required an arduous trip over Raton Pass. Most, however, used the Cimarron Route, which was shorter and faster but required knowledge of where the route’s scarce water supplies were located. (Submitted on September 26, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Courtesy North Wind Picture Archives
3. Marker detail: Rock Crossing of the Canadian River
Five miles east of here is an important river crossing for travelers on the Santa Fe Trail. The Canadian River flows through deep canyons or over sandy soil and this solid slab of rock was one of the few spots where heavy wagons could cross it.
4. Marker detail: Point of Rocks
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 22, 2015
5. The Santa Fe Trail Marker (in foreground)
former Colfax County Courthouse in background)
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 22, 2015
6. Santa Fe Trail Interpretive Center & Museum
Credits. This page was last revised on September 26, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 24, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 146 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on September 26, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
