Sunset Hill in Kansas City in Jackson County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Santa Fe Trail

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 30, 2024

1. Santa Fe Trail Marker

Inscription. Up the long hill to the south, now Wornall Road, rolled the Santa Fe Trail. Out of Westport, Missouri in the 1840s and 50s came hundreds of men, oxen, horses, mules, and wagons loaded with trade goods, heading for Santa Fe, New Mexico. By the year 1846 the trail carried a million dollar trade. But more important than the fortunes made – and lost – on this great trade route were the wagonmasters, the bullwhackers, the mule skinners, the traders, the soldiers and the glory-seekers, who, as the ruts of the trail deepened, strengthened the ties between the United States and the territory that lay to the southwest.

Erected 1975 by Native Sons of Kansas City. (Marker Number 10.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Kansas City - Native Sons and Daughters of Greater Kansas City, and the Santa Fe Trail series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1846.

Location. 39° 2.366′ N, 94° 35.597′ W. Marker is in Kansas City, Missouri, in Jackson County. It is in Sunset Hill. It is on Ward Parkway east of Sunset

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Drive, on the right when traveling east. Marker is on a limestone slab on the ground near the Wagonmaster sculpture. It is along the sidewalk, by a service driveway to the InterContinental Kansas City at the Plaza hotel. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 401 Ward Pkwy, Kansas City MO 64112, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the American Midwest,

in the Lewis & Clark Corridor,

in the Corn Belt,

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 territory of the Mississippian Culture,

the Louisiana Purchase,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Battle of Westport (a few steps from this marker); Union Position (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Landing At Westport (about 800 feet away); Wild Boar of Florence (approx. ¼ mile away); Aleman Court (approx. ¼ mile away); Neptune (approx. ¼ mile away); Confederate Position (approx. 0.3 miles

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, June 30, 2024

2. Santa Fe Trail Marker

Featured marker is in the foreground, as indicated by arrow.

away); Giralda Tower (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kansas City.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 22, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 22, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 413 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 22, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.