Honorary Chair Michael Martin Murphey

“The SFTA is extremely proud to have Murphey as the honorary chair,” said SFTA President Larry Short. “Murphey is a strong proponent of the Santa Fe Trail and will bring excitement and a new generation of trail enthusiasts as he performs and promotes our Trail up and down its length and across the nation.”

“I’m deeply honored to be chosen as the Honorary Chair of the Santa Fe Trail’s bicentennial commemoration,” said Murphey. “The story of the Santa Fe Trail is as essential to the American story as that of the Revolution. From the beginning, our fathers were looking West.... I am thrilled to be a spokesman for that story.”

Murphey’s career has spanned decades with such hits as “Wildfire” and “Carolina in the Pines,” and “Geronimo’s Cadillac.” His recent album, Austinology, has met with critical acclaim and paired Murphey with old friends Lyle Lovett and Willie Nelson, among others. He has been a champion for the history of the American West and the Santa Fe Trail.

The bicentennial of the opening of this historic trade route will be marked with events throughout 2021.

“Our SFTA leadership group and twelve chapters are developing plans for numerous major events and commemorations of that first journey from Missouri to Mexico,” said Short.

In addition, a national steering committee with membership from a variety of disciplines has been established to offer guidance and feedback.