LA Junta Tribune
After William Becknell traveled down the Santa Fe Trail in September 1821, the West would never be the same.
“(The Santa Fe Trail) was the first commerce trail from Missouri to Santa Fe,” said Linda Bourne, committee member for the Bent’s Fort Chapter’s 2021 Santa Fe Trail Bicentennial Symposium. “There’s a lot of history along the way.”
The Bent’s Fort Chapter of the Santa Fe Trail Association will commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Santa Fe Trail’s opening to trade through “The Santa Fe Trail Lives On: 200 years of Commerce and Cultural Connection” from September 22 to 26. The symposium will showcase living history experiences, distinguished speakers, tours, food and more.
The Opening and Closing of the Santa Fe Trail 1821-1880, PART 1
Oldest House in Santa Fe, New Mexico
The Mexican Revolution ended in 1821 and brought about many changes in foreign policy. Up to then Spain didn’t allow her colonies to trade with the U.S. American traders venturing into Santa Fe were thrown in jail, sometimes for years. Both sides needed something the other possessed. Santa Fe located far from Mexico City, more of an afterthought to Spanish authorities, desperately need manufactured goods while the Americans needed hard currency. Mexico had an abundance of silver. When Mexican soldiers encountered Indian trader William Becknell near the Arkansas River in November 1821 they invited him to bring his trade goods to Santa Fe where he would find a welcome market. The Becknell Party entered Santa Fe on November 16
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Boonville Daily News
The South Howard County Historical Society (SHCHS) is celebrating the bicentennial of the Santa Fe Trail in a big way in 2021.
New light pole banners were purchased for New Franklin depicting William Becknell, who opened up the Trail in 1821. The construction of a small building at the crossroads of the MKT Trail and Route 5 to house their authentic Conestoga wagon is almost completed and a dedication is being planned. Local artist Taylor Ellebracht also created a display for the store window next to the SHCHS museum in downtown New Franklin honoring the Trail.
The SHCHS museum is focusing its special displays on the Santa Fe Trail – “Santa Fe Traders”, “Women on the Trail”, “Blacksmith Shop” as well as a “Santa Fe Trail Research Area”. The museum is open to the public Saturdays and Sundays from 1:00 pm-4:00 pm beginning April through October, or by appointment.