The Santa Fe Trail 

Unlike most other routes west, the Santa Fe Trail wasn't designed to be used by settlers. It was a commercial trail. It opened up in 1821 after Mexico won its independence from Spain. Spain tried to keep closed borders in its colonies, but Mexico was open to trade and even welcomed it. American entrepreneurs saw the potential, and the trail became well-used.

As with most early trails west, there were many dangers along the way. The Indians were one of the biggest threats, and the Comanche especially posed a problem to Santa Fe travelers hauling store goods. Nature didn't make it easy either. Storms, insects, snakes, wild animals, prairie fires, raging rivers, mountains, and deserts made it hard. Diseases and sicknesses plagued many. However, most of the muleskinners driving the wagons were a tough, hardy lot.

While many of the wagoneers on the other trails preferred oxen for their strength, fortitude, and tendency to forage on plant growth that horses wouldn't touch, men navigating the Santa Fe Trail preferred mules. They thought they were a little faster, could navigate the mountains better, and came close to the oxen in foraging. There were also some superstitions that caused them to choose mules.

In the war with Mexico, the United States used the Santa Fe Trail to invade New Mexico. After the United States took possession of much of the area in 1846, travel on the trail increased. Throughout its history, some people traveled the trail to settle in the West, but the Santa Fe Trail still remained primarily a trade route. It stayed open until 1880 when the railroad came to the city to bring people and goods.

                     Link to book

I wrote of travel on the Santa Fe Trail in Second Choice Bride, the first book in my Cactus Creek, New Mexico, series, and some of the other books in the series include the trail. I have a new book, Zoe, releasing on April 20, 2024, also set on the trail. If you like good romantic adventures, check them out.

Link to book

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