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Santa Fe National Historic TrailDetail of sunflower found along the Santa Fe Trail
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Santa Fe National Historic Trail
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Gardner Junction Park Nears Completion

Thousands of people traveling west in the mid-19th century made a decision when they reached a trail junction in Kansas, near present-day Gardner. The trail to Santa Fe was to the southwest; the trail to Oregon and California was to the northwest. The choice of trail and direction reflected not only their destinations, but their dreams for the future.

The historic trail junction will be commemorated and interpreted in a park with interpretive displays and a walking trail at Highway 56 and 183rd Street. The site, located on the Santa Fe, Oregon, and California national historic trails, is nearing completion in late November/early December 2007.

To learn more, visit: www.kansascity.com/news/neighborhood/olathe/story/363095.html

A barbed wire fence and windmill are near the Point of Rocks formation on the Santa Fe National Historic Trail in New Mexico  

Did You Know?
Missourian William Becknell was successfull in reaching Santa Fe for trade after the Mexican Revolution of 1821. Prior to that time, Spain had vigorously protected the borders of its New Mexico colony. Becknell is considered the "father" of the historic Santa Fe Trail.

Last Updated: November 28, 2007 at 10:17 EST