Aubry Cut-off of the Santa Fe Trail
The story of the Santa Fe Trail is interwoven with the ambition and ingenuity of individuals seeking quicker and safer routes across the vast American landscape. Among these figures, Francois Xavier Aubry stands out as a tireless explorer and skilled captain of wagon trains, driven by a desire to improve the arduous journey to New Mexico. His relentless pursuit led to the discovery and implementation of a significant alternative route known as the Aubry Cut-off of the Santa Fe Trail, a testament to his dedication and knowledge of the terrain.
By 1850, at the young age of 26, Aubry had already established himself as a seasoned veteran of the Santa Fe Trail, having completed numerous trips and earned a reputation for speed and efficiency. The Aubry Cut-off of the Santa Fe Trail was a product of his deep understanding of the trail’s challenges and his constant quest for improvement. He actively participated in the bustling trade between Westport, Missouri, and Santa Fe, constantly evaluating existing routes and searching for better alternatives.
While the Cimarron Cutoff offered a faster passage, Aubry recognized its inherent weaknesses. The most significant was the Jornada, a grueling 65-mile stretch between the Arkansas River and Wagon Bed Spring, the lower spring of the Cimarron River. This waterless expanse not only tested the endurance of travelers and their livestock but also posed a considerable threat due to frequent raids by Native American tribes who considered the area their hunting grounds. The need for a safer, more reliable route became increasingly apparent to Aubry. This prompted him to explore alternative paths, ultimately leading to the establishment of the Aubry Cut-off of the Santa Fe Trail.
In 1850, while approaching the Cimarron Crossing of the established trail in present-day Grant County, Kansas, Aubry and his party were forced to retreat westward due to hostile encounters with Native Americans. This setback, however, proved to be a catalyst for discovery. Aubry embarked on a wide, encircling maneuver, venturing eastward. His explorations led him to Bear Creek, located east of the Colorado border. From there, he angled northeastward until he reached Choteau Island on the Arkansas River, the site of a former French trading post situated a few miles west of modern-day Lakin, Kansas.
The rediscovery and subsequent utilization of the Aubry Cut-off of the Santa Fe Trail offered a significant advantage in terms of water availability and safety. This new route was shorter than the Cimarron Cutoff, and Aubry actively promoted it to fellow traders and travelers, emphasizing its superior safety and ease of navigation. The Aubry Cut-off of the Santa Fe Trail represented a culmination of Aubry’s extensive knowledge of the region and his unwavering commitment to improving the journey to Santa Fe.
The Aubry Cut-off of the Santa Fe Trail branched off from the Mountain Branch of the Santa Fe Trail near Aubry Spring in eastern Hamilton County, Kansas. From this point, it traversed through Stanton County, Kansas, clipped through the southeastern corner of Baca County, Colorado, and eventually reached Cold Spring in Cimarron County, Oklahoma, near Boise City. At Cold Spring, the Aubry Cutoff rejoined the Cimarron branch of the Santa Fe Trail, continuing westward past Camp Nichols.
A key advantage of the Aubry Cut-off of the Santa Fe Trail was the consistently shorter distances between water sources. Nowhere along this route did travelers have to endure more than 30 miles without access to water, a significant improvement over the dreaded Jornada of the Cimarron Cutoff. Furthermore, the relative scarcity of game in the area contributed to a reduction in conflicts with Native American tribes, enhancing the overall safety of the journey.
Despite its advantages in terms of water and safety, the Aubry Cut-off of the Santa Fe Trail did not achieve widespread popularity among Santa Fe travelers. The tendency was to stick to the first cutoff encountered, leading many to continue using the more established Cimarron Cutoff. While Aubry’s route offered a viable and often preferable alternative, inertia and familiarity kept the Cimarron Cutoff as the more common choice.
The Arkansas River, a major waterway in the region, played a significant role in the history of the Santa Fe Trail and the establishment of the Aubry Cutoff. Flowing through Hamilton County, Kansas, the river served as a crucial source of water and a landmark for travelers navigating the vast plains. Aubry’s route strategically utilized the river and its tributaries, providing reliable watering points and guiding travelers across the challenging landscape. The presence of the Arkansas River near the beginning of the Aubry Cutoff was essential to the route’s viability and its ability to offer a safer and more comfortable journey to Santa Fe.
The legacy of Francois Xavier Aubry extends beyond the establishment of the Aubry Cut-off of the Santa Fe Trail. He was a dynamic figure, a skilled navigator, and a resourceful leader who left an indelible mark on the history of the Santa Fe Trail. His tireless efforts to improve the trail, driven by a deep understanding of the land and a commitment to the safety and well-being of his fellow travelers, cemented his place as a pivotal figure in the story of the American West. While his cutoff may not have become the dominant route, it stands as a testament to his ingenuity and dedication, offering a valuable alternative for those seeking a safer passage across the plains.