Sentinel on the Trail

Sentinel on the Trail. Santa Fe Trail National Scenic Byway. , Wagon Mound is the westernmost natural landmark on the Santa Fe Trail. It could be seen for miles by weary travelers making their way over the long and arduous road. The promontory was named by the trail travelers for its resemblance to a large wagon pulled by oxen. Although a popular campsite for wagon trains, this spot was a known ambush spot for Indians. In May of 1850, a stagecoach bound for Santa Fe was attacked by Apache and Ute Indians. No one in the wagon party of 11 survived., "…we felt anxious to push forward to the next camping-ground, known to travelers by the trail name, ‘the Wagon Mound.’ It was about fifty miles to this point, and there was an abundance of water there, entirely free from alkali." , , Hezekiah Brake, trail traveler, 1858., Sights Nearby , Las Vegas, New Mexico , The well-preserved trail-era town of Las Vegas is home to the Las Vegas Citizens' Committee for Historic Preservation which has interesting exhibits on the Santa Fe Trail., Springer Museum , Informational exhibits explain the importance of the Santa Fe Trail to the region., Fort Union National Monument , Fort Union protected the western end of the trail and supplied both military units and private caravans. A visitor center and interpretive trail describe the history of the once-bustling fort.