There's much to see here. Look below and learn all there is to know about upcoming events. Be sure to check back often for updates.
Bent’s Old Fort National Historic Site--http://www.nps.gov/beol/planyourvisit/calendar.htm
Fort Larned National Historic Site -- http://www.nps.gov/fols/planyourvisit/calendar.htm
Fort Union National Monument -- http://www.nps.gov/foun/planyourvisit/calendar.htm
Pecos National Historic Park -- http://www.nps.gov/peco/planyourvisit/index.htm
Wondering where Santa Fe Trail 200th Anniversary events are taking place throughout the year? Check out this story map!
https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/santa-fe-trail-200th-anniversary-events-map.htm
Don’t see your event or want to update information about your event? Email Ashley_Wheeler@partner.nps.gov.
Santa Fe Trail Landmark Tour available on the Freedom Frontier's App. The tour is also listed on the front page of the FFFNHA APP: http://ffnha.oncell.com (web App). The FFNHA APP can be downloaded to a smart phone at the Apple App Store or Google Play Store (for android devices).
The Santa Fe Trail Landmark Tour puts the trailhands’ experience into the palm of your hand. Using this app, you'll make 13 stops along the trail in Douglas County, Kansas, each with audio descriptions and images that bring each stop's history to life. Once registered, begin the tour by tapping on the list icon in the upper-right corner of the map. Tap your next stop to receive turn-by-turn directions. When you arrive at a stop, you'll automatically receive a notification on your device. Open it to learn more about the site and receive a digital stamp. Registered users who collect all tour stamps will be entered into a prize drawing.
Remember to enable location services on your mobile device. The Santa Fe Trail Landmark Tour is approximately 30 miles in length.
For additional information about FFNHA see http://freedomsfrontier.org.
Dodge City/Ft. Dodge/Cimarron Chapter presents weekly digital posts about the markers located in Ford & Gray Counties, KS. Posts can be found @santafetrail1821 or on Pinterest at: https://www.pinterest.com/santafetrail1/dodge-city-chapter-sft-markers/
Entry information and rules can be found at www2021SantaFeTrailKansas.com. For more information contact Linda Colle: Phone: 620-241-8719, Email: quivira.sfta@gmail.com
200th Passport Activity (for McPherson, Rice & Barton Counties in Kansas). Pick up the "Passport Book" at your local museum or print one out online at www.2021SantaFeTrailKansas.com. Once you visit all the sites and collect the stamps, visit one of the following museums - the McPherson Museum in McPherson, KS; the Coronado Quivira Museum in Lyons, KS; or the Barton County Historical Museum in Great Bend, KS - to have your book verified and enter the drawing for the Grand Prize of $200. For more information: Linda Colle, Phone: 620-241-8719, Email: quivira.sfta@gmail.com
Coronado Quivira Museum, 105 W. Lyon St., Lyons, KS. Tuesday – Friday, 10:00am – 4:00pm, Saturday 10:00am – 1:00pm. Closed Sunday and Monday. Visit www.2021SantaFeTrailKansas.com for more information. This will be live and on ZOOM. Information for ZOOM program will be posted to the website or FaceBook @200thSantaFeTrailKansas approximately 3 days prior to the program.
Earn Points by taking a selfie with yourself – 3pts with each Santa Fe Trail Marker; 2 pts at a Santa Fe Trail Event; 1pt for each poster at participating locations. Monthly drawings for all participants. $500 Grand Prize for the most points! See rules and poster locations at https://www.facebook.com/200thSantafetrailKansas/ or www.2021SantaFeTrailKansas.com
Paddle Wheel to Wagon Wheel: Arrow Rock State Historic Site Visitors Center, Arrow Rock, MO. Displays of trade goods and supplies that would be included during the years of the Santa Fe National Historic Trail. Enjoy the history of the transport of the goods up the Missouri River by steamboat to Franklin, MO and then loaded onto wagons for the trek down the Trail. Contact info: Mike Dickey, Site Superintendent, or Cindy Imhoff, Interpretive Resource Specialist at the site: 660-837-3330. Arrow Rock State Historic Site | Missouri State Parks (mostateparks.com)
EXHIBIT: Since prehistoric times, trails have traversed the broad landscape of New Mexico. Native American trails of the 12th century and earlier connected Chaco Canyon to Casas Grandes (Mexico) and Cahokia Mounds (Illinois). In 1680 trails connected the Rio Grande pueblos and enabled their runners to carry secret codes coordinating the Pueblo Revolt. From 1598 to 1821, goods from Spain’s vast empire traveled over the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro (Royal Road to the Interior) from central Mexico to the remote northern frontier. Starting in 1821 the Santa Fe Trail brought American and Mexican merchants face to face. The Spanish Trail was forged in 1829, establishing the road from Santa Fe to the Pacific. In 1880, the railroad opened the door to tourists, health-seekers, anthropologists, artists, and writers. And with the completion of Route 66 in 1926, automobile tourism began to flourish. Today, ‘cyber’ trails bring the world to our fingertips. This exhibition, will be on display until August 2022 at the Museum of Spanish Colonial Art, 750 Camino Lejo, Santa Fe, NM 87502-5378 (505) 982-2226 Admission charged. Open 1 to 4:00 p.m. Thursdays – Saturday. Ticket Information at reservations@spanishcolonial.org or visit: Trails, Rails, and Highways
Mexico’s independence from Spain had continental repercussions for the Americas. Specifically in the United States, formerly American citizens who swore allegiance to Spain were now Mexican citizens. These impresarios eventually helped Mexico gain its independence, and due to the despotic rule of dictator Santa Anna, eventually revolted against Mexico. These series of events were critical to developing the American West. Using material culture and art objects from the museum’s collection this exhibition will focus on how Mexican independence influenced the American West, especially the evolution of the American cowboy. Located at: 1700 Northeast 63rd St., Oklahoma City, OK 73111. For more information: info@nationalcowboymuseum.org or https://nationalcowboymuseum.org/exhibition/santa-fe-trail/
"Lewis and Papa: Adventure on the Santa Fe Trail," by Barbara Joosse (pages of a story are posted through the park; participants read the story as they follow the “Story Walk.”) Story Walk hosted by the Moundridge Public Library and will be posted in the Moundridge City Park on Cole Street, 24/7 for two weeks. www.2021SantaFeTrailKansas.com
The American Solar Challenge (ASC) is a multi-day, cross-country event open to collegiate solar car teams from countries all over the world. For 2021, the American Solar Challenge is partnering with the National Park Service to have the solar cars travel the Santa Fe Trail, commemorating the 200th anniversary of the trail. The Quivira Chapter in McPherson, Kansas has been selected as a Stage Point for the event. The teams will arrive in McPherson on August 3, stay overnight, and then leave the morning of August 4th for points west. The route will cover approximately 900 base miles through Missouri, Kansas, Colorado, and New Mexico. https://www.americansolarchallenge.org The Quivira Chapter and Midway Motors are partnering to host the stage stop in McPherson. Midway Motors is located at 2045 East Kansas in McPherson where the cars will end day 1. During the late afternoon and evening of August 3rd and the morning of August 4th, the public will be able to view the unique solar cars, talk to the drivers and participate in the local activities. Look for more information on the events and times as they develop! For more information email Quivira.sfta@gmail.com or call 620-241-8719. Additional information will be posted on at: https://www.facebook.com/200thSantafetrailKansas/ or www.2021SantaFeTrailKansas.com
Solar Cars to Make Historic Trip on the Santa Fe National Historic Trail to Commemorate the Trail’s 200th Anniversary!
Join us on the Santa Fe National Historic Trail for the 2021 American Solar Challenge! The National Park Service (NPS) is partnering with the Innovators Educational Foundation, and the Santa Fe Trail Association to hold this year’s event in commemoration of the Santa Fe Trail’s Bicentennial.
Teams of college students will design, build, and drive solar-powered vehicles following more than 900 miles of the Trail from Independence, Missouri, to Santa Fe, New Mexico in a cross-country journey from August 3rd-7th.
The solar cars will stop in several towns and national park sites along their route. Each stop offers visitors an opportunity to see the solar cars, meet team members, and learn about the Santa Fe Trail with NPS rangers and Santa Fe Trail Association members. The event is free and open to the public.
The 2021 American Solar Challenge will stop in:
For route, event, and schedule information visit www.nps.gov/safe/getinvolved/american-solar-challenge-route-and-schedule.htm. For event updates and content, like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/SantaFeTrailNPS, Instagram www.instagram.com/nationaltrailsnps and YouTube www.youtube.com/NationalTrailsNPS
To commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Santa Fe Trail, join the Historic Santa Fe Foundation and the National Park Service, National Trails office in Santa Fe for an art exhibition featuring works of art inspired by the trail. Each featured artist brings their own perspective and vision to the trail, resulting in unique visions of the landmarks, stories, and environments. Come explore the Santa Fe Trail through art and reflect upon 200 years of commerce, conflict, and cultural connections.
Visions of the Santa Fe Trail at 200 will feature works by artists Stan Honda, Ronald Kil, Mike Simpson, Melissa Weinman, and Lewis Williams.
Opening Reception
Location: El Zaguán, 545 Canyon Road, Suite 2, Santa Fe, NM
Date: August 6, 2021
Time: 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Exhibition
Location: El Zaguán, 545 Canyon Road, Suite 2, Santa Fe, NM
Date: August 6, 2021 - August 31, 2021
Time: Monday-Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm
Find out more: https://www.historicsantafe.org/visions-of-the-santa-fe-trail
Commemorating the 200th Anniversary of the Santa Fe Trail, Santa Fe Trail Association Board Member, Christine St. Vrain Fischahs, will give a presentation entitled "Marie Felicite St. Vrain - Shedding Light on the Santa Fe Trail's 1839 Mysterious Female Traveler." *Originally a ZOOM event, it has been changed to in-person: Kit Carson Electric Cooperative Boardroom, 118 Cruz Alta Road, Taos, NM.*
· Born in 1823, Marie Felicite St. Vrain was inducted into the Santa Fe Trail Association’s Hall of Fame in 2017 for her travels in 1839 along the mountainous route of the Santa Fe Trail, and she is considered one of the earliest known females to do so. Marie was also honored in 2020 with a Women in American History award from the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.
· Marie’s father, an Indian Agent murdered during the Black Hawk War in 1832, prompted favorite uncle Ceran St. Vrain to arrange her visit in 1839 at age 16 to Bent’s Fort, CO. Only mentioned briefly in two books, join Christine on a journey to learn more about this mysterious woman.
For more information contact Program Chair, Paul Figueroa, at (575) 779-8579 or email at paulcfigueroa@gmail.com.
For information concerning events see: https://missouri2021.org/events-200/
For more information contact: mheide@indepmo.org
Programs will focus on life on the Santa Fe Trail at the sites of Camp Grierson, Stone Corral Swanson’s Swales and Fry’s Ruts.
Directions:
· From the north: Follow the signs south on Plum/31st Avenue from Highway 56 (1 mile west of Windom, KS)
· From the south: Go north from Hutchinson Kansas on Plum Street (31stAvenue) approximately 15 miles
· Swanson’s Swales is ¾ miles north of Avenue P Camp Grierson is about 2/3 mile west on Avenue P. Fry Ruts are 1/1/2 miles west on Avenue P.
For more information: www.2021SantaFeTrailKansas.com or quivira.sfta@gmail.com or 620-241-8719.
The Santa Fe Indian Market is a 99-year-old Native art market. It is the largest and most prestigious juried Native arts show in the world and the largest cultural event in the southwest.SWAIA stands for Southwestern Association for Indian Arts. It is the non-profit organization that produces the Santa Fe Indian Market and the Winter Indian Market. SWAIA's mission is "Bringing Native arts to the world by inspiring artistic excellence, fostering education, and creating meaningful partnerships." This is a ticketed event. Tickets for the event may be purchased at: https://swaia.org.
Commemorating the 175th anniversary of the encampment of the Mormon Battalion, the 8th KS Volunteer Infantry and the Buffalo Soldiers that protected the Santa Fe Trail. Events to be held at Council Oak Park, Council Grove, KS. For more information contact the Council Grove Chamber of Commerce at 620-767-5413 or www.santafetrail200.com
Program: "Infantry Soldier of the 1860s," presented by Rex Abrahams. Volunteer at Fort Larned NHS, at the Galva Fire Station, 300 S. Main, Galva, KS. For more information: www.2021SantaFeTrailKansas.com or quivira.sfta@gmail.com or 620-241-8719.
"Have Donkey - Will Travel!" Mr. Les Vilda will be telling us about his two trips down the Santa Fe Trail with his donkey in the 1980s. Mr. Vilda is a most entertaining speaker. This event will be at the South Howard County Museum, Main Street, New Franklin, MO. The public is invited. For more information contact: Marty Ferry mhferry@yahoo.com or 660-537-0670. For more information about Les Vilda see: http://www.havedonkeywilltravel.com/programs.html.
Council Oak Park, Council Grove, KS. Details, applications, and prizes to be announced. www.santafetrail200.com
To acknowledge the departure of William Becknell and companions, MRO will host a short program at the site of the SFTA markers at Franklin. Day-long activities will be held at Arrow Rock, MO. This will be a joint commemoration with Arrow Rock Missouri State Park (DNR) and Friends of Arrow Rock. The Arrow Rock Stock and Trading Company will do first person portrayals of the Becknell men. During the day and they will interact with attendees. Lunch will be available at the Historic J Huston Tavern www.hustontavern.com
Luncheon seatings at 11:30 a.m. and at 1:00 p.m. Reservations due by August 15, 2021 by calling 660-837-3200 or by email at: info@hustontavern.com·
For more information: Anne Mallinson annemallinson@gmail.com or Larry Short ldshort@comcast.net
Santa Fe Trail Bus Tour
Sponsored by KCAHTA and Trails Head Chapter of OCTA
Friday, September 3, 2021
Following Becknell in September 1821: The Osage Trace/Original Santa Fe Trail
The tour will cover Becknell’s route from Arrow Rock to Fort Osage and beyond. The cost is $45 per person. That will include a box lunch, handouts, maps, and an informative and entertaining program by two expert guides, Craig Crease and Ross Marshall.
The bus tour will leave from the National Frontier Trails Museum in Independence at 9:00 AM and return to the same from 3:30 to 4:00 PM. For further information contact Ross Marshall at 913-685-8843 or email him at rossmarshall@mindspring.com.
To make reservations for this tour please make your check payable to: Trails Head Chapter and mail to: Lila Aamodt, 5938 Reeds Rd #202, Mission, KS 66202
The SantaCaliGon Days festival commemorates the origin of the Santa Fe, California, and Oregon trails traveled by adventurous pioneers during the country's westward expansion in the 1800s. First held in 1940, it is now one of the nations's premier festivals and features arts and crafts booths, food and entertainment, all held around the historic Courthouse Square. For more information: https//www.santacaligon.com
This annual event consists of a run/walk, and a pioneer Madonna “look-alike” short walk. Prizes will be awarded to winners including "most authentic" Madonna statue "look-alikes". Start and finish at the Madonna of the Trail Statue, Council Grove, KS. For more information, contact Jan at 303-775-5901. https://www.santafetrail200.com/dar-madonna-trudge
Located at 107 Osage Street, Sibley, MO 64088 (Open 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.) Event sponsored by Missouri River Outfitters Chapter of the SFTA, Jackson County Parks & Rec. and the Society of Friends of Fort Osage. Throughout the Day: American Mountain Men Association Reenactors and Arrow Rock Stock and Trade Company Reenactors. Schedule of events each day:
Adults $8; Youth & seniors $4
For more information: (816) 229-8980 historicsites@jacksongov.org
The Santa Fe Trail BAK Bicycle Rally will take place in Great Bend, Kansas, over Labor Day weekend, September 4-6, 2021. Each day, cyclists will enjoy a different looped tour route starting and ending in Great Bend. In addition to the many attractions in Great Bend, participants will visit Pawnee Rock, Historic Fort Larned, the Santa Fe Trail Center, Hudson, Sterling, Ellinwood, and other points of interest. Visit the BAK web site for all the details and event registration. bak.org
The Fort Wallace Museum located at 2655 US-40, Wallace, KS, has chosen the theme for this year's events: "Taking the Smoky Hill Trail to Santa Fe." As the railroad moved westward in the 1860s and 1870s, the Smoky Hill Trail was incorporated into the Santa Fe Trail. "Taking the Smoky Hill Trail to Santa Fe" was the focus of the March symposium and will be the theme of an encampment and mini-symposium September 10 and 11, 2021. Living historians on the museum grounds will highlight the trade that characterized end-of-the-track towns like Sheridan. Frank Norris and Mike Olson will be guest speakers on the 11th. Follow the museum on Facebook or email museum@ftwallace.com for more information.
All locations and events are being held along the historic route of the Santa Fe, Oregon, and California National Historic Trail. Events as follows:
· Fur Traders, Trail hikes, History lectures, Buffalo Soldiers, DAR, Story telling at the William Klein Park Home of the Barnes Enclosure/Cave Spring, 8701 E Gregory, 8:00 am to 6:00 pm
· “Trail” breakfast special at the NewzRoom Café, 6020 Blue Ridge Blvd, 8:00 am to 3:00 pm
· Missouri Town Musicians, Crafters, Kids games, Buffalo Soldiers, History Re-Enactors, House Tours 12 noon-2:30 pm Rice-Tremonti Historic Home, 8801 E 67th Street, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
· Horse & carriage photo ops, Display by Boy Scouts, Gift shop at the Raytown Historical Society & Museum, 9705 E. 63rd from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
· CAR SHOW, Hot dogs and ice cream at the Raytown Christian Church, 6108 Blue Ridge Blvd., 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
· Free Concert, Family games, Food Truck at Raytown’s Live Greenspace, 10009 E. 62nd St. 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm
· Commemoration Beers and Food Truck at the Crane Brewing, 6515 Railroad Street, 11:00 am to 9:00 pm
FOR Information about all events: Commemorative T-Shirts for sale $20
Raytown Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism, 5909 Raytown Trafficway, 10:00-4:00 pm
http://raytownchamber.chambermaster.com/events/details/raytown-s-festival-of-the-trails-4001
Visit Raytown’s Festival of the Trails Facebook page for up-to-date information @Festival of the Trails
Including the “Voices of the Wind People Pageant,” Mountain Men Exposition, Antique Wagon Show, Blacksmith, Wheelwright, Non-motorized Parade, and participation of the Kaw Tribe. For more information contact the Council Grove/Morris County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism at 620.767.5413 or www.santafetrail200.com or on Facebook @voicesofthewindpeople
The Trailside Center is celebrating the Bicentennial of the Santa Fe Trail with a Festival on Saturday, September 18, 2021, hours are 10:00 to 4:00pm. Our location at 99th & Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO is adjacent to one of the trails leading to Santa Fe. We will have displays of trail worthy items, speakers, and music. For additional information contact the Trailside Center at 816-942-3581, or email to margarethughes527@yahoo.com
Plans are under way to commemorate the Santa Fe Trail 200th in Burlingame!
Events will be held on Santa Fe Avenue in the heart of Burlingame, KS. Throughout the day will be children's games, old time demonstrations, and musket loaders. For more information, contact Sheila Curtis at shellicurti@gmail.com
Scheduled for completion in September 2021, the 175,000 square foot museum will showcase state-of-the-art exhibitions in First American history, culture, and art; live public and educational programs; a full-service restaurant and an express café presenting unique Native inspired cuisine; and a museum store featuring authentic one-of-a-kind hand-made items or products by premiere First American artists. Located at: 659 First Americans Blvd., Oklahoma City, OK 73129. For more information: info@FAMok.org 405-594-2100
Slawomir Dobrzanski, professor of Music at Kansas State University, will present a classical piano concert honoring the Santa Fe Trail 200 Bicentennial at the Council Grove High School Auditorium. Renditions of "Home on the Range" and Native American music along with classical music composed before 1868 will be performed. $15 per person. For more information: Kenneth McClintock at 2traildays@tctelco.net or (620) 767-7986.
Otero Community College in La Junta, CO.
SFTA Symposium hosted by the Bent’s Fort Chapter and the Bent’s Fort National Historic Site. Events will be held in La Junta, CO & at Bent’s Old Fort NHS and will include speakers, tours, and living history. For more information, visit: www.2021sfts.com
Including “Fair on the Square,” Courthouse Square, Lyons, KS.
West of Chase, KS on 4th road, ¾ miles north of Highway 56. For more information: quivira.sfta@gmail.com or 620-241-8719 or www.2021SantaFeTrailKansas.com
Located at Coronado Quivira Museum, 105 W. Lyon St., Lyons, KS. An Interactive Digital Tour Experience will guide an audience through the 35 miles of the Santa Fe Trail sites in Rice County, Kansas at the Coronado Quivira Museum and on the museum’s website at www.cqmuseum.org. Hour of the Coronado Quivira Museum are Tuesday – Friday, 10:00am – 4:00pm, Saturday 10:00am – 1:00pm. Closed Sunday and Monday. www.2021SantaFeTrailKansas.com
Events are currently being planned and will include:
Sept. 27-30 - Tours along the Trail: East to Timpas/South to Raton Pass/ Baca House and Santa Fe Trail Museum and DAR Marker at Kit Carson Park in Trinidad;
Oct 1-3 - Events on the Santa Fe Trail -Downtown Trinidad- Speakers, reenactments, theatre productions, cultural music/dancers, Buffalo Soldiers, youth educational activities and period demonstrations, all representing the cultures and historical aspects of the Santa Fe Trail.
For more information: marty.hackett@trinidad.co.gov
2565 Pueblo Road, Canton, KS. For more information: 620-654-7230 or maxwellwildliferefuge@gmail.com
Visit www.smokyhilltrail.com for more information or contact Pres. Ken Cole at cole_ken@hotmail.com.
A program by Robert Yarmer, “Tales from the Trail and the Beyond” at the Ellinwood Senior Center, 103 N. Main St., Ellinwood, KS www.2021SantaFeTrailKansas.com
The Corazon de los Caminos Chapter-SFTA and the Las Vegas Citizens Committee for Historic Preservation will join together to present programs to commemorate the meeting of Becknell & Gallegos near Las Vegas, NM. Ticket information for the Friday, November 12 event is available at: https://www.newsbreak.com/events/event-eventbrite-159136101363/new-mexico-santa-fe-trail-1821-2021-bicentennial-commemoration.
Friday, November 12, 2021 – Las Vegas, NM
Saturday, November 13, 2021 – Las Vegas, NM to Santa Fe, NM
Saturday, November 13, 2021 - End of the Trail Chapter-SFTA Activities:
Sunday, November 14, 2021 – Santa Fe
For more information, contact Corazon Chapter president, Doyle Daves at davesgd@aim.com or 505-426-8958 or End of Trail Chapter President, Joy Poole, at 505-660-1845.
Old Mill Museum, 120 E. Mill Street, Lindsborg, KS. Learn how to research your ancestors that traveled on the Santa Fe Trail. For more information: www.2021SantaFeTrailKansas.com or 620-241-8719.
Located in Boonville, MO commemorating the return of Becknell from Santa Fe. Contact for more information: annemallinson@gmail.com or ldshort@comcast.net
The Workshop will focus on development of a new Strategic Plan for SFTA.
Located in Arrow Rock, MO commemorating Becknell’s second journey to Santa Fe (with 3 wagons). Contact for more information: annemallinson@gmail.com or ldshort@comcast.net
Location TBD.
Located in Larned, KS.
Location TBD.
Tentative dates Sept. 20 or 21-23 OR Sept. 27 or 28-30. Will be held in Kansas City area and hosted by the Missouri River Outfitters Chapter.
Location TBD.
Located in Larned, KS
To commemorate when Becknell joined with Augustus Storrs and M. M. Marmaduke, both of whom were to become major factors in the trade with the southwest. This was the first large wagon train to trade with Santa Fe. It consisted of 25 wagons and carts, 81 men, 150 to 200 horses and mules and $30,000.00 in trade goods. The expedition returned with $180,000.00 in coins, and $10,000.00 in fur pelts.
Location TBD.
Location TBD. 200th anniversary of the Sibley Survey, the Treaties with the Kaw and the Osage, and the First Mexican Traders travel the Santa Fe Trail to the east.
