Santa Fe Trail

The Santa Fe Trail was a historic trade route established in the early 19th century, connecting Missouri to Santa Fe, New Mexico. It played a crucial role in facilitating commerce and cultural exchange between the United States and Mexico. Stretching about 780 miles, it was used by traders, settlers, and military units, helping to expand westward throughout the 1800s. The trail was vital for transporting goods like silver, textiles, and food, significantly influencing the economy and development of the southwestern United States. Its legacy is recognized in American history as a pathway of exploration and trade.