Near Watrous in Mora County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Santa Fe Trail

By Bill Kirchner, April 17, 2012

1. Santa Fe Trail Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

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.

Location. 35° 51.936′ N, 104° 52.749′ W. Marker is near Watrous, New Mexico, in Mora County. Marker is on Interstate 25 at milepost 374, on the right when traveling north. Marker is in the northbound rest area. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Watrous NM 87753, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Fort Union National Monument / Santa Fe Trail (approx. 1.4 miles away); La Junta (approx. 7.3 miles away); Watrous - Western Junction of the Santa Fe Trail

<i>Rear of:</i> Santa Fe Trail Marker image. Click for full size.

By Bill Kirchner, April 17, 2012

2. Rear of: Santa Fe Trail Marker

(approx. 7.8 miles away); The Best Hospital in 500 Miles (approx. 7.9 miles away); Fort Union and the Santa Fe Trail (approx. 7.9 miles away); The Six Mule Army Wagon (approx. 7.9 miles away); The First Fort Union (approx. 8 miles away); The Road that Changed Lives Forever (approx. 8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Watrous.

By Bill Kirchner, April 17, 2012

3. Santa Fe Trail Marker

By Bill Kirchner

4. Santa Fe Trail Marker

The DAR marker is on the far right in the photo. The New Mexico State marker is on the far left under the tree.

By Bill Kirchner

5. Santa Fe Trail Marker

1822-1879
Marked by the
Daughters of the
American Revolution
and the
Territory of New Mexico

The D.A.R - Santa Fe Trail Marker image. Click for full size.

By Bill Kirchner

6. The D.A.R - Santa Fe Trail Marker

By Bill Kirchner, September 21, 2014

7. Santa Fe Trail Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on May 9, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 692 times since then and 39 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on May 9, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 7. submitted on October 9, 2014, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.