Cimarron in Gray County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
The Santa Fe Trail
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 19, 2022
1. The Santa Fe Trail Marker
Cimarron, settled in 1878, got its name as the starting point at one time of the shorter Cimarron or dry route to Santa Fe. Here the Santa Fe Trail divided, one branch heading directly southwest, the other (present US 50) following the Arkansas river to Bent's Fort (near La Junta, Colo.), then south over Raton Pass
William Becknell first traveled the dry route with a pack-train via the Cimarron river in 1822, carrying trade goods for Mexico, newly-freed from Spain. By 1824, wagons creaked along with loads of calico, guns, tools and shoes to exchange for silver, furs, wool and mules. Trade became of such importance that in 1825 the government surveyed the route in U.S. territory north of the river, and the Upper Crossing, near Chouteau's Island in Kearny County, was recommended because of the shorter distance between the rivers. But despite the danger, the Middle Crossing — various points in the Cimarron-Ingalls area — was used the most.
Usually waterless and subject to Indian attacks, the 60 miles of trackless prairie between the Arkansas and Cimarron rivers was called by the Mexicans, Jornada del Muerte, or Journey of Death.
Erected 1980 by Gray County Historical Society; and State of Kansas.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce
this page online
Location. 37° 47.974′ N, 100° 21.042′ W. Marker is in Cimarron, Kansas, in Gray County. Marker can be reached from South Main Street (State Highway 23) 0.1 miles south of West Avenue E, on the right when traveling south. Marker is located along the walkway near the northeast corner of Cimarron Crossing Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Cimarron KS 67835, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Cimarron Hotel (approx. 0.7 miles away); a different marker also named Santa Fe Trail (approx. 0.8 miles away); Campsite of the U.S. Survey Team Sept. 10-21, 1825 (approx. 8.4 miles away); a different marker also named Santa Fe Trail (approx. 8.4 miles away); Trails on the Prairie (approx. 8.4 miles away); Santa Fe Trail Sites to the West & South (approx.
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, August 19, 2022
2. The Santa Fe Trail Marker
More about this marker. Cimarron Crossing Park is located along the north banks of the Arkansas River, where "dry-route" travelers would cross and leave the river behind them, heading southwest.
Also see . . .
1. Santa Fe Trail. History website entry (Submitted on April 18, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. Branches of the Santa Fe Trail. Legends of America website entry (Submitted on April 18, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
3. The Great Prairie Highway. National Park Service website entry:
From 1821 until 1846, the Santa Fe Trail was a two-way international commercial highway used by both Mexican and American traders. Then, in 1846, the Mexican-American War began, and a few months later, America’s Army of the West followed the Santa Fe Trail westward to successfully invade Mexico. After the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ended the war in 1848, the Santa Fe Trail became a national road connecting the more settled parts of the United States to the new southwest territories. Commercial freighting along the trail boomed to unheard-of levels, including considerable military freight hauling to supply the southwestern forts. The trail was also used by stagecoach lines, thousands of gold seekers heading to the California and Colorado gold fields, adventurers, missionaries, wealthy New Mexican families and emigrants.(Submitted on August 22, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Credits. This page was last revised on April 18, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 22, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 184 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 22, 2022, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
