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THE SANTA FE TRAIL
Cimarron, settled in 1878, got its name as the starting point at one time
of the shorter Cimarron or
dry route to Santa Fe. Here the Santa Fe Trail divided, one branch heading
directly southwest, the other (present US50) following the Arkansas river to
Bent's Fork (near La Junta, Co.), then south over Raton Pass.
William Becknell
first traveled the dry route with a pack train via the Cimarron river in 1822,
carrying trade goods for Mexico, newly freed
from Spain. By 1824, wagons creaked along with loads of calico, guns,
tools, and shoes to exchange for silver, furs, wool, and mules. Trade became
of such importance that in 1825 the government surveyed the route in US territory north of the river and the Upper Crossing, near Chouteau's Island in Kearny county, was recommended because of the shorter distance between the rivers. But despite the danger, the Middle Crossing
(various points in the Cimarron/Ingalls
area) was used the most.
Usually waterless and subject to Indian attacks, the 60 miles between
the Arkansas and the Cimarron rivers was called by the Mexicans, Journada del Muerte or Journey of Death.
Published by The City Of Cimarron
Lisa Kelsay - Web Developer
Contact Pete Thomas, Webmaster
cimarronkansas@hotmail.com
Or Contact the City At...
cityclerk@ucom.net
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Welcome to the
CITY OF
CIMARRON KANSAS