EXPLORE THE SANTA FE TRAIL
From 1821 to 1880, the Santa Fe Trail, nicknamed the “Great Prairie Highway,” served as an important trade route spanning approximately 900 miles from western Missouri to Santa Fe, New Mexico. Lexington served as a major trail hub, or outfitting point, along the route, selling goods such as tinware, tobacco, whiskey and beeswax.
Visitors to Lexington can drive the actual route of the early Santa Fe Trail travelers. While now paved, many of the homes and business buildings along this route are still standing and in use. Travel through the parts of Lexington which were on the Santa Fe Trail. See homes built which housed merchants, bankers and everyday people before the Civil War.
SANTE FE TRAIL SOUTHERN ROUTE DRIVING TOUR
As you travel down 20th Street, you’ll pass the historic Machpelah Cemetery. The first burial there was in 1839. In 1849, William Bradford Waddell donated his family’s cemetery, along with other nearby land, to form Machpelah. Waddell is better known as the co-founder of the Pony Express and shipped goods across the United States. Click here for more information about the cemetery.
GO SOUTH!
Then continue south to follow the original Osage Trace believed to be the most common route of those traveling the Santa Fe Trail, according to Lexington Historian, the late Roger Slusher. This is known as the “highland route.”
THE JUNCTION
Turn left from 20th Street onto Business Highway 13 and go south of town to the junction of O. Continue straight until you reach County Farm Road. Turn right and follow this road until it meets 24 Highway. Turn right to head back to Lexington.
GO EVEN FARTHER SOUTH
You can continue south on O to the turnoff at Lexington Road. Then turn right onto Howe Road and travel to 24 Highway, which is believed to be the original trail into Fort Osage.
EXPLORE MORE ALONG THE SANTA FE TRAIL
SANTA FE TRAILS ASSOCIATION
The Santa Fe Trail Association is composed of people of all ages and walks of life who are bound together by an interest in the fascinating saga of the Trail, and an interest in preserving its many physical traces and landmarks that still exist upon the face of the American West. Visit the official Santa Fe Trails Association website for complete information on interacitve trail maps, photos and the trail history.
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THE GREAT PRAIRIE HIGHWAY
With the National Park Service
You can almost hear the whoops and cries of “All’s set!” as trail hands hitched their oxen to freight wagons carrying cargo between western Missouri and Santa Fe, New Mexico. Follow the Santa Fe National Historic Trail through five states and you’ll find adventure and evidence of past travelers who made this remarkable trip before you!
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WILLIAM BECKNELL, FATHER OF THE SANTA FE TRAIL
William Becknell was an American soldier, politician, and freight operator who is credited by Americans with opening the Santa Fe Trail in 1821. He found a trail for part of the route that was wide enough for wagon trains and draft teams, making it easier for trader and emigrants along this route.