Glenn–Fowler expedition facts for kids

The Glenn–Fowler expedition was an important journey led by two men, Hugh Glenn and Jacob Fowler. They wanted to find out if people from the United States could trade with the Spanish in a place called Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Twenty-one men joined the expedition. They started their trip from a trading post on the Verdigris River in what is now Oklahoma. This was on September 25, 1821. When they arrived in Santa Fe in January 1822, they discovered something big had changed. The Spanish government was no longer in charge there. Instead, Mexico had won its independence from Spain in the Mexican War of Independence.

The new Mexican government was happy to encourage trade between Mexico and the United States. They even allowed the expedition members to trap animals and hunt for furs in the lands that used to belong to Spain. The group collected about 1,100 pounds (500 kg) of furs. This successful trip, along with an earlier journey by William Becknell, helped create the famous Santa Fe Trail. Glenn and Fowler were also the first white Americans to explore the area around what is now Pueblo.

The Journey to Santa Fe

Who Were Glenn and Fowler?

Colonel Hugh Glenn used to be a banker and businessman in Ohio. He moved to the Indian Territory and opened a trading post. This post was near where the Verdigris River meets another river. Glenn had met Jacob Fowler when they both served in the U.S. Army during the War of 1812. In 1821, they decided to plan a trip together. Their goal was to travel overland to Santa Fe and try to start a trading relationship. Fowler traveled from Fort Smith to Glenn's trading post in September 1821.

Starting the Expedition

After gathering 21 men, the expedition began on September 21, 1821. They followed the Verdigris River north. They camped near where the Verdigris meets the Caney River, close to what is now Bartlesville. They continued north into what was then Kansas Territory. From there, they went to the Arkansas River, near present-day Wichita. Then, they followed the Arkansas River into what is now Colorado Territory.

Entering New Territory

On October 27, the group crossed to the south side of the Arkansas River. This meant they were entering Spanish Territory. On November 13, they saw the Spanish Peaks for the first time. These mountains are in southeastern Colorado today. Over the next week, they met many Kiowa people. However, these meetings were difficult, and they couldn't easily set up trade. As they moved on, the group met Spanish soldiers in Taos. These soldiers told them that the area now belonged to Mexico. Mexico had won its independence from Spain in the Mexican Revolution.

What the Expedition Achieved

The Glenn–Fowler expedition was a big success. It proved that trade between the United States and the lands that used to be Spanish was possible. It also helped confirm the best route for what would later become the Santa Fe Trail. The new Mexican government was very happy to encourage trade with the United States. They allowed the expedition members to trap and hunt for furs in the lands that used to be Spanish. The group collected about 1,100 pounds (500 kg) of furs. They started their return trip home on June 1, 1822.

After the Journey

Hugh Glenn returned to Cincinnati. He passed away on May 28, 1833, when he was 45 years old. Even though his expedition was a success, it didn't solve all his money problems. Jacob Fowler went to Covington, Kentucky. He lived to be 85 years old and passed away on October 15, 1849.