USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Santa Fe Trail, in U.S. history, famed wagon trail from Independence, Missouri, to Santa Fe, New Mexico, an important commercial route (1821–80).

Detailed explanation-2: -In 1846, during the Mexican–American War, the United States Army used the Santa Fe Trail to invade New Mexico. After the U.S. acquisition of the Southwest that ended the war, the trail was integral to the U.S. opening the region to economic development and settlement.

Detailed explanation-3: -The Santa Fe Trail was mainly a trade route but saw its share of emigrants, especially during the California Gold Rush and the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush in Colorado. The trail also became an important route for stagecoach travel, stagecoach mail delivery and as a mail route for the famed Pony Express.

Detailed explanation-4: -Between 1821 and 1880, the Santa Fe Trail was primarily a commercial highway connecting Missouri and Santa Fe, New Mexico. The route was pioneered by Missouri trader William Becknell, who left Franklin, Missouri in September 1821.

Detailed explanation-5: -Covering approximately 800 miles, the Santa Fe Trail extends from Independence, Missouri to present day Santa Fe, New Mexico. The Trail originally began in Franklin, Missouri, but the trail head was moved to Fort Osage and, by 1827, to Independence.