Missouri History Today January 30, 1822: Becknell Party Returns from Profitable Santa Fe Trail Journey

Missouri History Today January 30, 1822: Becknell Party Returns from Profitable Santa Fe Trail Journey


June 27, 1825

George Sibley and his party departed from St. Charles on this day to survey what would become the Santa Fe Trail.


Monument marking the Santa Fe Trail at Franklin, Missouri.

Missouri Stories from the Santa Fe Trail

A seventh cousin of Kit Carson tells stories of the people on the Santa Fe Trail, which started in our state.


Santa Fe Trail Sources

Sources and Additional Reading Recommendations on the Sante Fe Trail.


Santa Fe Trail: Author Journey

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.


Person riding a horse in the sunset with old western garb

The Fastest Rider in the West

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.


January 18, 1808

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.