We began at Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Park. It was a huge trading post not a defensive army fort. Santa Fe travelers were able to repair their wagons and replenish supplies to prepare to move on.
Traders spoke seven different languages, four of them being Indian dialects. Traders included trappers, Mexicans, French, Santa Fe Trail people and more.
This fort was fully restored in 1975 and 1976 to what it looked like in 1846. We were able to walk in and out of rooms that were restored with similar furnishings to the time period.
Paula: All those different kinds of people lived and worked together and they all got along until the government interfered.
Lynn: As I enter the gate, I imagined how it would be as it took me back in time, in the life that they lived, as I entered each room. I imagined the joys and sorrows as they persevered on the trail.
In Lamar CO, we were able to pick up our fifth Madonna of the Trail.
Jo Ann: During our drive along the Santa Fe Trail, the natural grasses were yet to green up, but we could see the green strip of freshly leafing trees defining the edge of the Arkansas River.
Next up we found Charlie’s ruts near Deerfield KS. There were 4 ruts side by side. We took photos.
