Granada-Fort Union Military Road – Legends of America
The Granada-Fort Union Military Road, a historic pathway stretching approximately 200 miles, once connected the Arkansas River near Old Granada, Colorado, to Fort Union in New Mexico. This vital route traversed the Comanche National Grasslands, passing through Branson, Colorado, and Emery Gap, New Mexico, before winding its way east of Capulin Mountain towards its final destination.
Genesis of the Road
The story of the Granada-Fort Union Military Road begins shortly after the establishment of Fort Union in 1851. Recognizing the need for a more efficient supply route along the Santa Fe Trail, Lieutenant Colonel Edwin Sumner, the fort’s commander, tasked Lieutenant John Pope with scouting a better path for military freight. Pope’s exploration led to the discovery of a trail that, for several years, remained relatively unused.
The Goodnight Trail Connection
Between 1867 and 1876, the trail identified by Lieutenant Pope gained prominence as part of the Goodnight Trail. This era witnessed the movement of vast herds of cattle northwards from Texas, utilizing the route to reach markets and settlements. The trail’s significance as a conduit for commerce and transportation began to solidify during this period.
Bazil Metcalf and the Tollgate Canyon
In the early 1870s, Bazil Metcalf, a resourceful entrepreneur from Missouri, carved a road through the short canyon leading south from Emory Gap into the Dry Cimarron Valley of New Mexico. By 1873, Metcalf had completed the road and established a tollgate to regulate passage through the canyon. The tollgate consisted of a chain stretched between two large boulders, and travelers were required to pay a fee for using the road. A four-horse wagon cost 75¢, a two-horse team cost 40¢, and buggies cost 35¢. Fees were also collected for the large numbers of cattle driven through the canyon, destined for mining camps and military posts to the north.
Bazil operated the tollgate with his brother John, who arrived from Missouri to assist with the business and manage Bazil’s ranch. The brothers faced numerous challenges, including raids by Comanche and Kiowa warriors in the summer of 1874, which resulted in the deaths of 17 settlers in the Dry Cimarron area. Bazil himself encountered another Indian raiding party in 1876 but managed to escape unharmed. Despite these dangers, the tollgate remained in operation from 1873 until 1885, serving as a crucial commercial artery for the region.
The Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad
The Granada-Fort Union Military Road experienced a surge in traffic following the arrival of the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad in Old Granada, Colorado, in July 1873. The railroad provided a direct link to eastern markets, and tons of freight were transported south along the trail to Fort Union and beyond. For several years, this route became the primary supply line for military and civilian goods heading southwest into New Mexico.
Decline and Legacy
The Granada-Fort Union Military Road’s prominence was relatively short-lived. In 1878, the railroad extended its reach to Trinidad, Colorado, and Santa Fe, New Mexico. This development significantly reduced the need for long-distance wagon freight, and the Granada-Fort Union Military Road gradually fell into disuse. By 1880, the once-bustling route had largely been abandoned.
Despite its decline, the Granada-Fort Union Military Road left a lasting legacy on the region. The road played a vital role in connecting communities, facilitating trade, and supporting military operations. It also served as a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the pioneers who braved the challenges of the American West.
Other Names and Modern Preservation
The Granada-Fort Union Military Road was also known as the Two Buttes Fork of the Mountain Branch and the Granada Branch of the Santa Fe Trail, reflecting its connection to the larger network of trails that crisscrossed the American West. Today, a six-mile segment of the road is preserved within the Comanche National Grassland, allowing visitors to experience a tangible link to the past.
Exploring the Granada-Fort Union Military Road Today
While much of the original Granada-Fort Union Military Road has been lost to time and development, remnants of the route can still be found in certain areas. History enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers can explore these sections, imagining the sights and sounds of the wagons, soldiers, and settlers who once traversed this historic pathway.
The Comanche National Grassland offers opportunities for hiking, camping, and scenic drives, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the landscape. The preserved segment of the Granada-Fort Union Military Road provides a glimpse into the past, reminding us of the challenges and triumphs of those who shaped the American West.
Conclusion
The Granada-Fort Union Military Road stands as a testament to the spirit of enterprise and the interconnectedness of communities in the American West. From its origins as a military supply route to its role in facilitating trade and commerce, the road played a significant part in the development of the region. Although its period of prominence was relatively brief, the Granada-Fort Union Military Road left an enduring legacy that continues to resonate today. By exploring the remnants of this historic pathway, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the pioneers who shaped the American West and the challenges they overcame.