Near Howell in Ford County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
The Worst Piece of Road
For 60 years, this prairie soil was torn by the hooves of mules, oxen, and horses, and compacted by the weight of the large freight wagons they pulled. The wagons of a caravan traveled four abreast to avoid dust and to quickly form defensive circles. They moved over when tracks became too deep or muddy, creating additional parallel ruts.
Today, shouts and cracks of the bullwhackers' whips, and the rattling of the harness and wagons have fallen silent. The depth of the ruts has dwindled due to wind and rain, but their continued existence attests to the thousands of people, wagons, horses, mules, oxen, and carriages that used this great highway.
"Sunday, September 11, 1825.
Morning calm and cool....The Waggons were obliged to turn out into the High Prairie, and go round a considerable distance to get past this rugged Bluff....Altogether, I believe this is the worst piece of Road we have had since we left Ft. Osage."
- George Sibley
U.S. surveyor of road to Santa Fe
Look for long, wide depressions, different vegetation, and water courses running at odd angles at places where "bridges' in the path span ruts. They are easiest to see when the sun is low.
Erected by National Park Service and Boot Hill Museum.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Santa Fe Trail series list. A significant historical date for this entry is September 11, 1825.
Location. 37° 47.449′ N, 100° 11.808′ W. Marker is near Howell, Kansas, in Ford County. Trail Ruts park is on the right while traveling west of US Hwy 50/400, about ˝ mile west of Howell Road. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Dodge City KS 67801, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Santa Fe Trail Remains (within shouting distance of this marker); Soule's Ditch (within shouting distance of this marker); Trails on the Prairie (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Santa Fe Trail Sites to the West & South (about 400 feet away); A Fine Country… (about 400 feet away); Santa Fe Trail, 1821 - 1880 (about 400 feet away); Santa Fe Trail Sites to the East (about 400 feet away); Campsite of the U.S. Survey Team Sept. 10-21, 1825 (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Howell.
Also see . . .
1. Santa Fe Trail Association. Website homepage (Submitted on May 20, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. Santa Fe Trail Rut Site Near Howell KS. Dodge City website entry (Submitted on May 20, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on May 13, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 20, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 767 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 20, 2013, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.