Keepers of the Trail
by Wyvonne Graham
The Santa Fe Trail served as a
trade route between Missouri and the
Mexican frontiers from 1821 to 1880.
The Mountain Branch was traveled
by caravans of traders, often with four
horses abreast. Although the Mountain
Branch was 100 miles longer than the
Cimarron Route, and the climb over
Raton Pass was difficult, the Mountain
Route was preferred since water
was more accessible and it was less
vulnerable to Indian attacks. In 1987,
the Santa Fe Trail was designated by
Congress as a National Historic Trail. In
1998, it became National Scenic Byway.
In 2003 the Santa Fe Trail Scenic and
Historic Byway - Mountain Branch
became a 501C-3 nonprofit organized
to increase recognition and appreciation
of the multi-cultural heritage in our
communities.
Our mission is to preserve, protect,
and promote resources and historic
sites for future generations. We provide
Santa Fe Trail traveler information
through brochures, a website, and
a visitor’s guide that is available at
the Colorado Welcome Centers in
Trinidad and L