Santa Fe Trail Park, Independence, Missouri

By Jeff M

If my good friend knows what he's talking about (and I suspect that he does, for he's published Civil War articles in a reputable Missouri magazine), then this photograph depicts a small pizza slice-sized area of the notable Santa Fe Trail --- one of three principle trails that started in the city which I now find myself living.

It was yet another area of Independence, Missouri, that I did not know existed. Actually, I did know that Independence was the "jumping off" point for America's three most famous trails ---the Santa Fe, Oregon and California --- but I was uncertain where the exact points were.

"In the winter," my friend said, crouching near the edge where the lush green grass ended and the thick undergrowth began (to the left of the picture), "you can see the wagon ruts. The trail was actually pretty big, a lot wider than what people thought. I love these types of places."

Begun in 1821, the Santa Fe Trail was a 900-mile foreign trade route. Until that point, America depended on seafaring commerce; the Santa Fe Trail, like its two siblings, would usher in the overland commerce component, opening the door for not only expansion but, eventually, the country's own fiscal autonomy.

On a clear crisp evening, I went to Santa Fe Trail Park and took a walk. I had with me the walking stick my oldest son had carved (his first attempt at wielding a pocket knife), my camera and a desire to capture some images.