Oklahoma Santa Fe Trail Sites – Legends of America
Okay, history buffs and road trip enthusiasts, gather ’round! Let’s talk about a little slice of the Wild West that you might not know much about: Oklahoma’s connection to the legendary Santa Fe Trail.
You see, while Oklahoma might not be the first state that pops into your head when you think of the Santa Fe Trail, it actually played a small but significant role in this historic trade route. We’re talking about the Oklahoma panhandle, that skinny little stretch of land in the northwest corner of the state, specifically Cimarron County.
The Cimarron Cutoff: A Shortcut with a Catch
Of the two main routes of the Santa Fe Trail, only the Cimarron Route snaked its way through Oklahoma. This wasn’t just any path; it was a shortcut known as the Cimarron Cutoff. It shaved off about ten days of travel time compared to the Mountain Route, making it a popular choice for traders hauling goods between Missouri and New Mexico.
William Becknell himself, the OG of Santa Fe Trail wagon trains, used this cutoff way back in 1822. Over time, it became the go-to route for about 75% of the trail’s traffic.
But here’s the thing: this shortcut came with a price. The Cimarron Cutoff was notorious for its lack of water and the constant threat of Native American raids. Warriors saw those wagon trains as mobile supermarkets, full of valuable goods, horses, and mules.
Think about it: you’re out in the middle of nowhere, the sun’s beating down, your oxen are thirsty, and you’re constantly looking over your shoulder, wondering if someone’s about to try and steal your stuff. Not exactly a relaxing vacation, right?
Aside from traders, the trail saw its fair share of scouts, soldiers, trappers, and even buffalo hunters. It was also a trading route for tribes like the Kiowa, Ute, Comanche, and Apache.
The Dreaded ‘Jornada’
One of the most feared parts of the Cimarron Cutoff was a stretch known as the Jornada. This was a 50-60 mile trek between the Arkansas River and the Cimarron River, where water was scarce and the grass was even scarcer. Imagine trying to keep your animals alive and hauling heavy wagons through that!
During times of heightened tensions with Native American tribes, the U.S. Army had to escort travelers across this dangerous section of the trail. It was a constant reminder of the risks involved in chasing fortune on the frontier.
Oases and Landmarks in the Oklahoma Panhandle
Fortunately, there were a few oases along the way. Once travelers reached the Cimarron River, they could breathe a sigh of relief (at least for a little while).
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Willow Bar Crossing: This was a popular spot where the trail crossed the Cimarron River. The riverbed was filled with willow trees, and it usually had water, making it a prime campsite. But even here, danger lurked. In 1831, a wagon train was attacked by an estimated 100 warriors at Willow Bar. The wagoners managed to fight them off, but it was a close call. Today, there’s not much left to see at Willow Bar. The river has washed away the willows and sandbar, and the old crossing is gone. Nearby, you might find some old trail ruts and a watering hole called Trujillo Springs, but it’s usually dry.
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Wolf Mountain: This mountain served as a landmark for travelers. The trail passed on both sides of it on the way to Upper Spring. It was also a popular camping spot, but like Willow Bar, it was vulnerable to Indian attacks. A marker at the site tells a grim story: "About 20 wagons burned here by Ute Indians sometime before trail abandonment in 1880." Later, people found burned wagon parts, iron-rimmed wheels, and broken dishes scattered around the area.
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Upper Flag Spring: This was another welcome sight for weary travelers. It was a campsite with a reliable source of fresh water, located on the south side of the Cimarron River.
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Cold Spring and Autograph Rock: This was perhaps the most famous spot on the Santa Fe Trail in Oklahoma. Cold Springs Creek provided year-round water, and the high cliffs offered some protection. People passing through often carved their names into the sandstone bluffs, creating what became known as Autograph Rock. Signatures from soldiers, teamsters, gold seekers, and other travelers can still be seen today, dating mostly from 1850-1865.
If you want to check out Autograph Rock, you’ll need to get permission from the landowners and make arrangements with the Cimarron Heritage Center in Boise City. It’s worth the effort to see this unique piece of history.
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Camp Nichols: This was the only military site on the Santa Fe Trail in Oklahoma. It was founded by Kit Carson in 1865 to protect travelers on the Cimarron and Aubry cutoffs. The soldiers built a stone wall around the parade ground and put up some buildings. The site is now private property and can’t be visited, but you can still see wagon ruts nearby.
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Cedar Spring and Carrizozo Creek: This spring provided water for Camp Nichols and Santa Fe Trail travelers. Names are carved in the canyon walls of Carrizozo Creek, including members of the Penrose Expedition, who got caught in a blizzard there in 1868.
The End of an Era
The Santa Fe Trail was used until the 1870s when the railroad arrived in Colorado. The iron horse made long-distance wagon trains obsolete.
Visiting Today
Even though the Santa Fe Trail is no longer in use, you can still experience a bit of its magic in Oklahoma’s Cimarron County. The remoteness and vast open spaces of the region give you a sense of what it must have been like to travel the trail in its heyday.
So, if you’re looking for a unique road trip destination with a dose of Wild West history, consider exploring the Oklahoma Santa Fe Trail sites. Just remember to bring plenty of water and keep an eye out for those pesky bandits!