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Discovering History

Six Historic Road Trips to Take

Lewis & Clark Historic Trail

ust after the Louisiana Purchase in Both the 1904 Louisiana Purchase
1803, President Thomas Jefferson Exposition in St. Louis and the 1905
Jcommissioned the Corps of Discovery Lewis and Clark Centennial Exposition
to explore and to map the newly acquired in Portland, Oregon showcased Lewis
territory. Captain Meriwether Lewis and and Clark as American pioneers. The
his Second Lieutenant William Clark story remained relatively shallow as a
were tasked with discovering a practical celebration of U.S. conquest and their
route across the western half of the conti- personal adventures. Since the turn of
nent and establishing an American the 21st century the expedition has
presence in this territory before European been more thoroughly researched and
powers attempted to do the same. was found not without controversy.
What became known as the Lewis Overall, the expedition covered over
and Clark Trail arose from the notes, 4,900 miles of terrain from Pittsburgh,
maps, and journals filled with descriptions of the wildlife, indigenous Pennsylvania, to the mouth of the Columbia River near present-day
peoples, flora, and fauna discovered during their quest, much of it Astoria, Oregon. Making the trek today means traversing sixteen states,
thanks to their Indian guide Sacajawea. Her incredible knowledge and covering 6,157 miles by car, going through 15 Native American
commitment to the journey at the age of 16 enabled the Corps to finish Reservations, and crossing 1,439 miles of water trails.
the journey, setting the stage for the coming westward migration. Luckily, the National Park Service, Lewis & Clark Trail Heritage
The mission also resulted in many contributions to science and Foundation, and the Lewis and Clark Trust, Inc. have created lewisand-
improved knowledge of the terrain, yet the story of the expedition clark.travel, an online site to turn to when planning a trip. Options for
remained relatively quiet. During the 19th century, references to Lewis exploring the trail by region with information on tours, events, where to
and Clark “scarcely appeared” in history books, even during the United stay, etc. are presented in an easy-to-use format. For more information
States Centennial in 1876, and the expedition was largely forgotten. on this, check out Ken Burns’ Lewis & Clark documentary at pbs.org

The Great Prairie Highway

he Santa Fe National Historic Trail included a stronger ability to take on even
stretches from Boonville, Missouri more traffic, from stagecoaches to the thou-
Tto Santa Fe, New Mexico. In 1821, sands heading west to Colorado and
the trail was opened to settlers seeking a California in search of their fortunes in gold.
home on the range and traders in search of Soon after the Civil War, the railroad
their fortune. expansion started again in Kansas and
William Becknell left Franklin, MS with stretched all the way to Colorado. Trading
four others on September 1, 1821 to travel caravans traveled by rail and had shorter dis-
to the city of Santa Fe in search of good tances to go to do their business. During the
trade. Talk about perfect timing. Spain had 1870s, three railroad companies were
just been overthrown by Mexico and the competing to build rails over Raton Pass,
new government welcomed outside trade. and the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe
It took a few trips to establish a trade reached that goal in 1878. By February of
route that could handle wagons and even 1880, the trail faded into history.
the famous “mule teams” used to carry out greater amounts of every- The incredible scenery along the trail was made famous by such
thing from furs, gold, silver, and other goods. Traders followed the artists as Frederic Remington, Vincent Colyer, and Albert Bierstadt.
“Mountain Route” with more dependable water resources, but as they Learn about the handcrafted goods spanning generations of indiginous
became more aware of water resources some chose the “Cimarron tribes that include the Osage, Choctaw, Apache, and Acoma. Visit the
Route” because it was shorter and faster. The Santa Fe Trail enabled many historic homes, parks, and museums scattered across this span of
Missouri to bring in goods not only from the city of Santa Fe but from America’s southwest, telling the story of those who traveled here to
other southern locations stretching into Mexico. make their fortunes.
In 1846, the Mexican-American War began. Within a few months To make the trip along the Santa Fe Trail, the National Park Service
the Army of the West followed the Santa Fe Trail and successfully notes that there are “museums, historic sites, landmarks, and original
invaded Mexico. Once the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed trail segments located all along the length of the Trail,” and offers
ending the war, the Santa Fe Trail became established as a national road extensive information for those who want to travel the entire Trail or
connecting those parts of the territory that were more settled. This are looking for trip ideas. Visit nps.gov/safe/planyourvisit

38 Journal of Antiques and Collectibles