The historic Santa Fe Trail traversed the present-day states of Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Colorado, and New Mexico. People and freight moved along the trail in both directions.
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.