Cimarron in Colfax County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Santa Fe Trail
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, July 23, 2011
1. Santa Fe Trail Marker
Side A:
Side A:
The difficulty of bringing caravans over rocky and mountainous Raton Pass kept most wagon traffic on the Cimarron Cutoff of the Santa Fe Trail until the 1840's. Afterwards, the Mountain Branch, which here approaches Raton Pass, became more popular with traders, immigrants, gold seekers, and government supply trains.
Side B:
Opened by William Becknell in 1821, 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 the coming of the railroad in 1879.
Erected by New Mexico Historic Preservation Division.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Santa Fe Trail series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1821.
Location. 36° 30.625′ N, 104° 55.052′ W. Marker is in Cimarron, New Mexico, in Colfax County. Marker is on Kit Carson Highway (U.S. 64) east of South Euclid Avenue, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 265 10th Street, Cimarron NM 87714, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 3 other markers are within
this page online
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, July 23, 2011
2. Santa Fe Trail Marker
Side B:
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, July 23, 2011
3. Santa Fe Trail Marker
Side A: View to the east.
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, July 23, 2011
4. Santa Fe Trail Marker
Side B: View to the west.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 8, 2011, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 978 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 8, 2011, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
