U.S. National Parks: America's History (Part 2)

Fort Union NHS (NM) Exhibit

The Santa Fe Trail was the primary route for settlers as well as transportation of commercial goods in the mid 19th century. It was interesting how much of my road trip crossed the trail . . . with historical landmarks dotting the five-state region.  This was quite by accident, although looking back at the events of the time, it all makes logical sense that so much of my journey would include the telling of how America was shaped between 1820 and 1900.

Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop, Farm & Museum (KS)

My first interaction with the Santa Fe Trail was on day #3 of my adventure, in Olathe, KS.  I was just passing through town on the interstate highway when one of those large brown "ATTRACTION" signs caught my eye.  I had no idea what the Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop, Farm & Museum was about, but I was ready to stop to stretch my legs, so off I went.  It was less than a couple of miles from the exit so the detour seemed reasonable.  Unfortunately the place was overrun with school kids on a field trip, so I only browsed the museum and exhibits.  I did enjoy reading more about the Santa Fe Trail and the route taken from Missouri to New Mexico.  Somewhere else to return when I have more time to explore the grounds and buildings.

While I had booked two nights at the KOA campground in Santa Fe, I of course expected to have some historical visits to learn more about the importance of Santa Fe and the route taken back in the 19th century.  Honestly, I knew little about the forts built along the route to assure safe passage of settlers, as well as those set up as trade post destinations where goods were traded with local natives as well as the travelers heading west.

This photo is of Bent's Old Fort (CO) and Fort Union (NM) . . . both of which were used as trading posts on the western frontier.  Bent's Old Fort was largely used to trade for bison hides; while Fort Union was more of a community within itself.  The photo below (right) is what is left standing of the Fort Union hospital.  On the day of my visit, it was cold and rainy, so I didn't explore out on the trails to see the rest of the fort's ruins.  As for the Bent's Old Fort (left), the grounds are currently off limits to visitors due to restoration work going on this summer.

Bent's Old Fort (L) and Fort Union (R)

 

I also visited the Fort Larned (KS) National Historic Site.  Knowing this one would be fully accessible and one of the best restored and preserved sites of this era, I planned ahead and camped nearby so as to allow for a first of the morning visit the next day.  I was not disappointed with all there was to see and do there!  Two hours went by quickly, while I also ran my mobile device (camera) to less than 10% battery juice.

The sandstone buildings were constructed in the late 1850's, it served as the "Guardian of the Santa Fe Trail" during the time in history known as "the Indian Wars era."  Today 9 of the original buildings remain and are open for visitors to see what life was like at an Army outpost.  From the NPS park brochure, the fort even had a bowling alley, "The many wood and adobe buildings outside the central parade ground (hospital, laundry, stables, mail station, bowling alley . . .) quickly deteriorated and do not survive."  WOW what I would give to see THEIR bowling alley!  In addition to the well preserved and maintained buildings and authentic furnishings, NPS continues to provide historical and interpretive services throughout the grounds.  During my visit, I enjoyed talking with the ranger doing the blacksmith exhibit. I hope such will continue long beyond the DOGE era of government cutbacks!

Sights from Fort Larned NHS (KS)

While in Larned, Kansas I paid a short (hour) visit to Santa Fe Trail Center, which was less than 15 minutes away from the fort.  As with most community historical society museums, I found the exhibits well done with authentic items from life back when America was being settled.  There were also a number of original buildings on the grounds, but once again, I didn't have hours to spend viewing all of the items on display.

Santa Fe Trail Center (KS)