George Sibley and his party departed from St. Charles on this day to survey what would become the Santa Fe Trail.
Santa Fe Trail
Missouri History Today January 30, 1822: Becknell Party Returns from Profitable Santa Fe Trail Journey
Frontiersman William Becknell began his first trip on what would become the Santa Fe Trail. This post was contributed by Ross Malone. A historian and a retired school teacher, Ross has authored many books about Missouri’s history, weird facts, and folk tales. He has also written children’s historical fiction. Visit his website, and buy his books in the Missouri Life store.
A seventh cousin of Kit Carson tells stories of the people on the Santa Fe Trail, which started in our state.
Sources and Additional Reading Recommendations on the Sante Fe Trail.
In 1821, Missouri attained statehood, and Mexico won its independence from Spain. Once restrictive Spanish control came to an end, the Mexican markets opened wide to the Americans. Those two colossal events set the stage for a dramatic unfolding era.
Neither rain nor snow nor Comanche war parties could stop Francois Aubry, the Missouri speed demon, from delivering the mail in record time. His exploits were the stuff of legend, and the inspiration for the Pony Express.
William Ray was born on this day. He operated an important blacksmith shop on the Santa Fe Trail in a spot which is today named for him—Raytown.
