Edwards County, Kansas Santa Fe Trail
Edwards County, Kansas, a land etched with the passage of time and the echoes of westward expansion, bears the distinct imprint of the Santa Fe Trail. This historic artery, a vital conduit of commerce and culture in the 19th century, traversed the county, leaving behind tangible remnants and intangible stories. The Santa Fe Trail, more than just a path, was a lifeline connecting the burgeoning United States to the Southwest, and Edwards County played a significant role in its narrative. Here, the trail forked into two primary routes – the Wet Route and the Dry Route – each presenting its own challenges and opportunities for travelers, traders, and settlers. This article explores the segments of the Edwards County, Kansas Santa Fe Trail, detailing its geography, historical significance, and enduring legacy.
The Edwards County, Kansas Santa Fe Trail section reveals much about the trail’s diverse character. The landscape of Edwards County, characterized by rolling plains and winding creeks, dictated the routes chosen by those who traversed it. The presence of water sources was paramount, leading to the establishment of the Wet Route, while the need for efficiency and the avoidance of potential hazards spurred the creation of the Dry Route. Both routes, however, shared a common destination: the vibrant trading hub of Santa Fe, New Mexico.
The Wet Route: Following the Water’s Edge
The Wet Route, also known as the Mountain Branch, hugged the Arkansas River and the parallel course of Big Coon Creek, providing travelers with access to essential water resources. This route entered Edwards County after passing Love’s Defeat, a site infamous for an earlier conflict with Native American tribes. The Wet Route then progressed through the land, passing near the present-day locations of Nettleton and Kinsley. Kinsley, now a thriving community, owes its early development in part to its proximity to the Santa Fe Trail.
One of the most notable landmarks along the Wet Route in Edwards County is the site of the Battle of Coon Creek. On July 18, 1848, a military escort accompanying a paymaster and wagon train was ambushed by Comanche and Apache warriors. This encounter highlights the ever-present dangers faced by those traveling the Santa Fe Trail, as conflict with Native American tribes was a constant threat. A marker along U.S. Highway 56 commemorates this event, serving as a reminder of the sacrifices made and the challenges overcome in the pursuit of westward expansion. Several distinct trail routes can still be observed as the trail enters Ford County, offering a tangible link to the past.
The Wet Route through Edwards County, Kansas Santa Fe Trail was a corridor of both opportunity and peril. While the availability of water was a significant advantage, the proximity to the Arkansas River also meant navigating potential floods and dealing with marshy terrain. Furthermore, the risk of encounters with Native American tribes remained a constant concern, requiring travelers to maintain vigilance and preparedness.
The Dry Route: A More Direct Path
The Dry Route, or Cimarron Branch, offered a more direct path across Edwards County, albeit one with its own set of challenges. This route generally kept a distance of four to six miles from the Arkansas River, aiming to minimize travel time and avoid the potential hazards associated with the river’s floodplain.
A significant landmark along the Dry Route was the Big Coon Creek Crossing. In 1863, a stage station was established at this location, providing a crucial rest stop and supply point for travelers. However, the stage station was abandoned in 1867, and the U.S. Army briefly occupied the site, establishing an outpost known as Fort Coon. Today, remnants of this historic crossing can still be seen, with cutdowns visible on both sides of the creek. Notably, the stream that was once known as Big Coon Creek is now referred to as Little Coon Creek, a testament to the shifting nomenclature of the region.
Further down the Dry Route, approximately eight miles from the Big Coon Creek Crossing, was another significant site: Dinner Station. This campsite, established along the stage company’s route, provided travelers with a much-needed opportunity to rest and replenish their supplies. The existence of Dinner Station underscores the importance of infrastructure and support systems in facilitating travel along the Santa Fe Trail.
As the Dry Route exited Edwards County, Kansas Santa Fe Trail and continued into Ford County, the landscape bore the unmistakable marks of the trail’s passage. Numerous ruts, carved into the earth by countless wagons and travelers, serve as a lasting testament to the enduring impact of the Santa Fe Trail on the region. The Dry Route, while lacking the readily available water sources of the Wet Route, offered a more direct and potentially faster path across the county.
Enduring Legacy of the Edwards County, Kansas Santa Fe Trail
The Edwards County, Kansas Santa Fe Trail, both the Wet and Dry Routes, left an indelible mark on the region. The trail not only facilitated trade and transportation but also played a crucial role in the settlement and development of Edwards County and the surrounding areas. Towns like Kinsley owe their early growth to their proximity to the trail, and the presence of historical sites like the Battle of Coon Creek and Dinner Station serve as reminders of the challenges and triumphs of the westward expansion era.
Today, efforts are underway to preserve and interpret the remaining segments of the Edwards County, Kansas Santa Fe Trail. Markers and historical sites provide visitors with opportunities to learn about the trail’s history and significance, while ongoing research and preservation efforts ensure that this important part of American history is not forgotten. The ruts carved into the landscape, the stories passed down through generations, and the enduring spirit of those who traveled the trail all contribute to the rich and complex legacy of the Edwards County, Kansas Santa Fe Trail. It is a tangible link to a pivotal era in American history, a reminder of the courage, resilience, and ambition that shaped the nation. The Edwards County, Kansas Santa Fe Trail stands as a monument to the past and an inspiration for the future.