Santa Fe Trail Remains facts for kids
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Santa Fe Trail Ruts
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View of the trail remains in 1975; a monument with plaque is visible in the distance
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 Location in Kansas
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Dodge City, Kansas |
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| Area | 140.4 acres (56.8 ha) |
| Built | 1821 |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000343 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
| Designated NHL | May 23, 1963 |
The Santa Fe Trail Remains, also called the Santa Fe Trail Ruts, are a special part of the old Santa Fe Trail. This section is about two miles (3 km) long. People say it's the "longest continuous stretch of clearly defined Santa Fe Trail rut remains in Kansas."
Today, a group that works to save history owns this land. You can see the ruts from a special viewing area on United States Route 50. This spot is close to Dodge City, Kansas. In 1963, these ruts were named a National Historic Landmark. This means they are very important to American history.
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What Are the Santa Fe Trail Ruts?
The Santa Fe Trail Ruts are located about 10 miles (16 km) west of Dodge City. They cover about 140 acres (57 ha) of land that used to be farms. The ruts themselves stretch for about 2 miles (3 km). In some places, these wagon tracks are as wide as 400 feet (120 m).
Even though the ruts are old, some modern things cross them. U.S. Route 50, a railroad, and farm irrigation ditches cut through the old trail. Also, in the past, animals grazing on the land caused some damage to the ruts.
How the Landscape Has Changed
Most of the land around the ruts looks much like it did in the 1800s. However, there have been some changes. Besides the roads and tracks, the Arkansas River has moved. It now flows more to the south than it did when the Santa Fe Trail was used.
The Story of the Santa Fe Trail
The Santa Fe Trail was one of the first big paths people used to travel west in America. It started in 1821, thanks to a trader named William Becknell. The trail connected Independence, Missouri to Santa Fe, which was the capital of Spanish (and later Mexican) Nuevo México.
Why the Trail Was Important
The Santa Fe Trail was a very important route for developing the American West. It helped people move goods and ideas across the country. Many people used it for trade and travel. The trail was used a lot until about 1880. Around that time, railroads became more common and took over from the trail.
Why These Ruts Are Special
We know where much of the Santa Fe Trail used to be. But, not many parts of the trail still exist today. There are other sections of Santa Fe Trail ruts listed on the National Register of Historic Places. However, this particular section near Dodge City is one of the longest and best-preserved parts of the old trail that you can still see.
