Near Raton in Colfax County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Santa Fe Trail

Photographed by James Hulse, June 20, 2022

1. Santa Fe Trail Marker

Inscription. Opened by William Becknell in 1812, the Santa Fe Trail became the major trade route to Santa Fe from Missouri River towns. The two main branches, the Cimarron Cutoff and the Mountain Branch, joined at Watrous. Travel over the Trail ceased with coming of the railroad in 1879.

Erected by New Mexico Historic Preservation Division.

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 1812.

Location. 36° 48.942′ N, 104° 26.748′ W. Marker is near Raton, New Mexico, in Colfax County. It is at the intersection of U.S. 64 and Ranchway Road, on the right when traveling south on U.S. 64. The marker is located at a small roadside pullout. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Raton NM 87740, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Northern New Mexico.

It is also in the American Southwest,

in the Mountain West,

and on the Santa Fe Trail Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Rocky Mountains,

the Western Hemisphere,

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the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Dust Bowl,

and the Republic of Texas.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 13 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: First Automobile in New Mexico (approx. 4.8 miles away); The Mountain Route (approx. 4.8 miles away); Raton (approx. 5 miles away); Palace Hotel (approx. 5.9 miles away); Women of the Santa Fe Trail / New Mexico Historic Women Marker Initiative (approx. 11.8 miles away); Clifton House Site (approx. 11.9 miles away); a different marker also named Santa Fe Trail (approx. 11.9 miles away); Road to Santa Fe / Over the Pass / Santa Fe Trail Country / "Uncle Dick" Wootton (approx. 12½ miles away in Colorado). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Raton.

Also see . . .
1. Santa Fe Trail. Wikipedia (Submitted on July 27, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

2. William Becknell. Wikipedia (Submitted on July 27, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

Reverse Side - Santa Fe Trail Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, June 20, 2022

2. Reverse Side - Santa Fe Trail Marker

The Santa Fe Trail Marker along the highway image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, June 20, 2022

3. The Santa Fe Trail Marker along the highway

The view of the Santa Fe Trail Marker from the street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, June 20, 2022

4. The view of the Santa Fe Trail Marker from the street

Credits. This page was last revised on July 27, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 26, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 498 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 27, 2022, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.