Milestone

Travelers from Missouri had crossed more than 600 miles of plains by the time they reached this point on the Mountain Route of the Santa Fe Trail, a harder path chosen for its reliable water. With less than a quarter of the journey remaining, they saw the mountains for the first time and faced their greatest challenge ahead at Ratón Pass, four days away. In December 1839, Matt Field wrote of pausing in silent wonder before the towering mountains despite hunger, thirst, and bodily fatigue. The Santa Fe Trail was traveled by diverse people, including women who sometimes accompanied traders, and the trade brought together people of varied nationalities and cultures.

Colorado · United States