Santa Fe Trail

The dry route, also named the Hornado de Muerti which means journey of death, coursed through divide from Larned along the Pawnee River (FCHS). First recorded use was from the Glenn-Fowler Party. Started at the area that is known as Pawnee Rock and Ash Creek northeast of Larned, Kansas.  This route traveled southwest to Offerle, Kansas where it again met up with the wet route of the trail (SFTR - Dry).

 

However, this trail’s positive appeal was the distance that was cut along the trail.  In 1822 William Becknell crossed over the river by Dodge City blazed the beginning of this trail.  Since this trail hadn’t been crossed over yet with many caravans, it made following the trail very difficult with other travelers.  Along the road, water supply was infrequent which made it a more difficult journey on travelers and animals both.  Middle Spring in Morton County, Kansas was a very important stopping point along the trail for water resources.  Also along the Cimarron River, sometimes settlers had to dig a hole roughly a foot deep and let it fill up to receive water (SFTR - Point of Rocks). 

 

Water wasn’t only the main concern on this route though.  Indian attacks happened frequently as well. 

 

No mountains protruded along this route which made it easier and more popular for traders and travelers.  This route was kept open during the Mexican War as a military route to resupply troops and new American residents of New Mexico (SFTR - Fort Dodge).