Near Timpas in Otero County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Milestone

Photographed by Connor Olson, August 30, 2021

1. Milestone Marker

Inscription. Travelers from Missouri would have crossed more than 600 miles of plains by the time they stood here. They picked this more difficult Mountain Route of the Santa Fe Trail for its reliable water. With less than a quarter of the trip remaining, they saw, for the first time, the mountains that would represent their biggest challenge-Ratón Pass, four days ahead.

Imagine starting out across the seemingly endless prairie. What would you be thinking and feeling if you were in their shoes?

The mountains ... were now towering before us. ... Worn and weary as we were, enduring pangs of hunger, thirst, and bodily fatigue, we paused in silent wonder to view that glorious scene.
Matt Field, December 7, 1839

Caption: Diverse people walked the Santa Fe Trail. Women sometimes accompanied traders. Trade brought together people of varied nationalities and cultures.

Erected by Santa Fe National Historic Trail, National Park Service, Department of the Interior; Comanche National Grassland, Forest Service, Department of Agriculture.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists:

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Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Santa Fe Trail series list. A significant historical date for this entry is December 7, 1839.

Location. 37° 51.698′ N, 103° 43.882′ W. Marker is near Timpas, Colorado, in Otero County. It is on State Highway 71 north of U.S. 350, on the left when traveling north. Located at the Sierra Vista Overlook. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: La Junta CO 81050, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Arkansas River Valley

and in the Eastern Plains.

It is also in the American Mountain West,

on the Great Plains,

on the Southern Plains,

on the High Plains,

and on the Santa Fe Trail Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Comanchería,

the Dust Bowl,

and the Republic of Texas.

Other nearby markers. At least 7 other markers are within 14 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Bent's Old Fort along the Santa Fe Trail (approx. 13 miles away); Railroads Built this Town (approx. 13 miles

Photographed by Connor Olson, August 30, 2021

2. Milestone Marker

away); Explore the La Junta Region (approx. 13 miles away); Recreation on the Comanche Grassland (approx. 13 miles away); Ranching and Farming (approx. 13 miles away); City of La Junta (approx. 13 miles away); George Washington Swink (approx. 13.4 miles away).

Also see . . . Sierra Vista. (Submitted on September 1, 2021, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin.)

Credits. This page was last revised on September 2, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 1, 2021, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 365 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 1, 2021, by Connor Olson of Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.