Visit these area Trail related sites:
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| Your visit to the Santa Fé Trail Center exhibits begins in our East Gallery with the prehistoric days of the trail. Go back to the time when millions of buffalo covered the plains, and imagine what it was like for the Wichita Indians living in grass hunting lodges and pursuing the giant herds. | |
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| The great era of the Santa Fé Trail began in 1821, when Mexican independence from Spain opened up new trade opportunities for American and Mexican merchants. Pulled by oxen and mules, commercial freight wagon trains crossed the plains until the railroad arrived near Santa Fe in 1880. | |
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| Unlike the other great Western trails, the Santa Fé Trail was a two way route between two different countries: the United States and Mexico. By the early 1 840's, the majority of private freight caravans were owned and operated by New Mexicans. The Mexican War ended the international days of the trail, when New Mexico was added to the U.S. territory. | We end our story with a look at life on the plains just after World War I, and a chance for you to experience a taste of these earlier times. |
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| The Santa Fé Trail's freighting days ended and a new era began as settler's established homes, farms, and ranches along the ruts of the old trail. | An Outdoor Museum, with sod and dugout houses and a one-room schoolhouse, offers Living History rograms during special events at the Center. |
Hours:
Daily: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Closed Mondays: Labor Day through Memorial Day
Closed: Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
Admission
Museum galleries:
Fort Larned Historical Society members: Free
School groups with teachers: 50% discount
Use of library/archives: Free
For more information contact: