The Santa Fe Trail - Clayton, NM
Posted by: 
The Snowdog
N 36° 27.422 W 103° 10.259
13S E 663896 N 4036197
One of several markers at a road side pull out on the north side of Highway 64 - east of Clayton, New Mexico.
Waymark Code: WM18QEB
Location: New Mexico, United States
Date Posted: 09/11/2023
Views: 0
This is one of several markers at a road side pull out on the north side of Highway 64, just east of Clayton. There are two double-sided "official" New Mexico Historical Markers here as well, one on either side of this one. The marker contains maps of the Santa Fe Trail, photos of historic sites along the trail, and even a black-and-white image of a wagon train. The marker text is:
Near where you are standing was one of the great overland trade routes of the 19th century. Connecting Franklin, Missouri, with Santa Fe, New Mexico, the trail ran 900 miles through rough terrain hostile to all but the hardiest traders set on making a profit. Unlike the emigrant trails to the north, trade moved in both directions.
Pioneered in 1821 by William Becknell, the trail quickly became a busy trade route handling hundreds of wagon trains a year and carrying goods worth millions of dollars in today's currency. With the arrival of the railroad in 1880, the era of the Santa Fe Trail came to an end.
Road of Trail Name: Santa Fe Trail
State: New Mexico
County: Union County
Historical Significance:
The Santa Fe Trail was a route through central North America that connected Franklin, Missouri, with Santa Fe, New Mexico. The trail served as a vital commercial highway until supplanted by railroads. The Santa Fe Trail was integral to the opening of the region to economic development and settlement.
Years in use: 50
How you discovered it:
The Santa Fe Trail passes near my home town in Oklahoma.
Book on Wagon Road or Trial:
The Santa Fe Trail by R. L. Duffus, ISBN 978-0826302359
Website Explination:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Fe_Trail
Why?:
The Santa Fe Trail was used mainly for trade, and to a lesser extent immigration. The U.S. Army made use of the Santa Fe Trail during the Mexican-American War to invade what is present-day New Mexico.
Directions:
North side of Highway 64, just east of Clayton
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Visit Instructions:
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