From 1821 to 1880, the Santa Fe Trail, nicknamed the “Great Prairie Highway,” served as an important trade route spanning approximately 900 miles from western Missouri to Santa Fe, New Mexico. Lexington served as a major trail hub, or outfitting point, along the route, selling goods such as tinware, tobacco, whiskey and beeswax.
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Santa Fe Trails Association
Visit the official Santa Fe Trails Association website for complete information on interacitve trail maps, photos and the trail history.
The Great Prairie Highway with the National Park service.
You can almost hear the whoops and cries of "All's set!" as trail hands hitched their oxen to freight wagons carrying cargo between western Missouri and Santa Fe, New Mexico. Follow the Santa Fe National Historic Trail through five states and you'll find adventure and evidence of past travelers who made this remarkable trip before you!
Travel through the parts of Lexington which were on the Santa Fe Trail. See homes built which housed merchants, bankers and everyday people before the Civil War.
Learn about William Becknell, known as the Father of the Santa Fe Trail.
Santa Fe Trail Southern route Driving Tour
Click here to travel the routes south of Lexington
Head south through town and visit the historic Machphela Cemetery where early settlers are buried. Then continue south to follow the original Osage Trace believed to be the most common route of those traveling the Santa Fe Trail.