Great Osage Trail facts for kids

1980 U.S. Geological Survey Topographical map of a portion of Independence Missouri with a blurry red line superimposed, showing the route of the ancient "Great Osage Trail" which after 1825 was known as the first section of the Santa Fe Trail, destination New Mexico and Mexico.

The Great Osage Trail was an important path used by Native American tribes. It was also known as the Osage Trace or the Kaw Trace. This trail went through parts of what are now the Midwest and Plains States in the U.S.

These paths were first made by large herds of buffalo and other migrating animals. Later, Native American tribes like the Osage Indians used them for travel and trade.

Map of most of the Santa Fe Trail in 1845. A more detailed map produced by the National Park Service shows the starting point in central Missouri, further east of the Kansas City Metropolitan Area than is shown in this map.

European settlers later gave the name "Osage Trails" to many of these routes. For example, parts of the famous U.S. Route 66 in southern Missouri follow an old Osage Trail. Also, U.S. Route 24 in central Missouri follows the "Great Osage Trail" from Franklin, Missouri westward.

The Great Osage Trail Becomes the Santa Fe Trail

In 1825, the Great Osage Trail became the first part of the famous Santa Fe Trail. This new trail started in central Missouri, near towns like Franklin and Boonville, Missouri. It followed the Missouri River westward.

Then, the trail turned southwest through Independence, Missouri. From there, it continued into Kansas, Colorado, and finally to Santa Fe, New Mexico in "Old" Mexico.

Starting Points of the Santa Fe Trail

The Santa Fe Trail changed its starting point over time.

• Old Franklin: The Santa Fe trade first began in Old Franklin, a small town on the Missouri River. This lasted until 1831.
• Independence: In 1831, the trade moved to Independence. This town was 100 miles further west. It was also close to a big bend in the Missouri River. This made it a better place to prepare for trips to Mexico. It was easier to get to Independence by water than by land from Franklin.
• Westport and Kansas City: The main trade stayed in Independence until about 1838-1840. Then, it began to shift to Westport. Later, it moved to Westport Landing, which is known today as Kansas City, Missouri.

The Tree of Peace and the Trail

Commemorative marker near base of an oak tree planted on the property of the Independence Temple in 1999, a few dozen yards south of a stretch of The Great Osage Trail which today is known as Lexington Street/Avenue in Independence, Missouri.

On October 24, 1999, an important event happened along the Great Osage Trail. An Iroquois chieftain named Jake Swamp led a special ceremony. They planted an Iroquois "Tree of Peace".

This tree was planted in Independence, Missouri. It is just south of Lexington Street, which is part of the old Great Osage Trail. The tree is on the property of the Community of Christ's Independence Temple. This site was also important to early Mormon settlers, who bought the land in 1831.

Early Latter-day Saint travelers used these trails. They traveled along the Boone's Lick Road from St. Louis to Franklin. Then, they used the Great Osage Trail/Santa Fe Trail to reach Missouri's western border.