Near Maxwell in Colfax County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Women of the Santa Fe Trail
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New Mexico Historic Women Marker Initiative
Photographed by Duane Hall, July 18, 2017
1. Women of the Santa Fe Trail Marker
Women of the Santa Fe Trail. The Women of the Santa Fe Trail endured untold hardships traveling across the Great Plains. In 1829, six Hispanic women were the first known female travelers going east on the trail. In 1832, Mary Donoho was the first woman whose name was recorded to travel west along the trail. Susan Shelby Magoffin and Marion Sloan followed and both wrote about their experiences.
New Mexico Historic Women Marker Initiative. The New Mexico Historic Women Marker Initiative was founded in 2005 by members of the New Mexico Womens Forum in a statewide effort to recognize womens contributions to New Mexico history on the states Official Scenic Historic Markers. The Initiative ensures that womens diverse histories will be remembered and told, and will inspire and provide a guide for future generations. The 2006 Legislature funded the project.
Erected by New Mexico Historic Preservation Division.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • Women. In addition, it is included in the New Mexico Womens Historic Marker Initiative, and the Santa Fe Trail series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1829.
Location. 36° 39.008′ N, 104° 30.035′
this page online
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, 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 3 other markers are within 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Clifton House Site (here, next to this marker); Santa Fe Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Santa Fe Trail (approx. 11.8 miles away).
Photographed by Duane Hall, July 18, 2017
2. New Mexico Historic Women Marker Initiative Marker
Photographed by Duane Hall, July 18, 2017
3. State Markers at Thaxton Southbound Rest Area
Photographed by Duane Hall, July 18, 2017
4. State Markers at Thaxton Southbound Rest Area
Credits. This page was last revised on August 7, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 20, 2017, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,097 times since then and 24 times this year. Last updated on July 30, 2025, by Bill Wingate of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 20, 2017, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
