Wagon Tracks Volume 20 Issue 2 Wagon Tracks Volume 20, Issue 2 (February Article 1 2006)
2006 Wagon Tracks. Volume 20, Issue 2 (February, 2006) Santa Fe Trail Association
Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/wagon_tracks Part of the United States History Commons
Recommended Citation Santa Fe Trail Association. "Wagon Tracks. Volume 20, Issue 2 (February, 2006)." Wagon Tracks 20, 2 (2006). https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/wagon_tracks/vol20/iss2/1
This Full Issue is brought to you for free and open access by UNM Digital Repository. It has been accepted for inclusion in Wagon Tracks by an authorized editor of UNM Digital Repository. For more information, please contact [email protected]. : Wagon Tracks. Volume 20, Issue 2 (February, 2006)
SANTA FE TRAIL ASSOCIATION QUARTERLY
VOLUME 20 FEBRUARY 2006 NUMBER 2
PIKE BICENTENNIAL, 2006-2007 SFTA RETREAT TRINIDAD CO, MARCH 24·25 FORT LARNED OLD GUARD J~ ANNUAL MEETING, MAY 6, 2006 I .' SANTA FE TRAIL RENDEZVOUS t LARNED, KANSAS OCTOBER 27-29, 2006 RENDEZVOUS, OCT. 27-29 by Ruth Olson Peters MARK your calendar now and plan to attend Rendezvous 2006 in Pat Heath holds KMA Award, with, I to r: Larned, October 27-29. The seminar Betty Barnes, son Michael Ustick, Har· promises to be an exciting and infor old Smith, and daughter Linda Peters. NEW TRAIL EXHIBIT IN mative event with this year's theme PAT HEATH RECEIVES KANSAS LAS VEGAS, NEW MEXICO focusing on the 200th anniversary of Zebulon Montgomery Pike's expedi MUSEUM ASSOCIATION AWARD ROLLING Along on the Santa Fe tion to the Southwest. Trail" is the title of a new, perma SFTA Ambassador Pat Heath, nent exhibit at the City Museum/ Topics of the seminar will include Lakin, KS, was recently presented a Rough Riders Memorial Collection in the environmental aspects of the ex plaque honoring her distinguished Las Vegas, New Mexico. This exhibit pedition, Spanish exploration on the service for Museum Community highlights the impact of Santa Fe Plains before Pike, historical back Service. Only three awards were pre Trail history and lore on American ground and overview of the expedi sented throughout the state by the popular culture. tion, Pike and the Pawnee Indians, Kansas Museum Association. The Dr. John Robinson and the expedi Kearny County Historical Society Among the many items on display tion, and Pike's public image over board of directors submitted Pat's are sheet music, movie posters, a the past 200 years. Bus tours will be name for the award; and on their be Santa Fe Trail necktie from the offered to the Sternberg Museum of half Harold Smith and Betty Barnes 1970s, and a number of household Natural History in Hays as well as a presented the award to her. objects depicting wago'ns and mules. local bus tour of the Pike family con The Santa Fe Trail Association, its Pat moved to Kearny County in nections in Larned. A special exhibit chapters, and the Santa Fe National 1982 to be closer to her family, and of"Crossings ofthe Santa Fe Trail in Historic Trail are represented also, immediately immersed herself in Kansas," featuring contemporary by mugs with chapter logos, lapel studying the county's history. She sketches, photos, and paintings as and hat pins, and brochures. Over became a member of the Kearny well as excerpts from 19th-century all, artifacts from four time periods County Historical Society in 1986. literature will on display in the Com are interpreted: "The Old Santa Fe The same year she attended a week manding Officer's Quarters at Fort Trail, 1821-1880," "The Romance of long workshop on the Santa Fe Trail Larned National Historic Site dur the Santa Fe Trail, 1880-1950," "The and converted into a "Trail junkie." ing the seminar. Selling of the Santa Fe Trail, 1920s She attended the Santa Fe Trail 1970s," and "The 'New' Santa Fe Rendezvous will end on October Symposium that fall, and became a Trail, 1986-2005." 29, 2006-200 years to the day that charter member, and attended all Pike and his command crossed the the symposiums except the one in '/ The exhibit was developed by Pawnee River near the southern 2005. She tirelessly promotes the Linda Gegick, director of the edge of present Larned. The SFTA Trail and its specific sites in Kearny museum, with funds from Scenic County. Byways NMDOT, Friends of the City Wet/Dry Routes Chapter will Museum, and the City of Las Vegas. commemorate the date by hosting a Pat served on the Board of Direc Dr. Mike Olsen was guest curator. presentation by John Michael tors of the Kearny County Historical The exhibit was officially opened Murphy of Colorado Springs, one of Society from 1987 to 1991, and vol January 11 with a special program the foremost authorities on Pike, and unteered many hours at the Kearny presented by Dr. Olsen. the dedication of the new Zebulon County Museum. InAugust 1991 she Pike Plaza in Larned, a project was hired as the Museum Director (continued on page 5) sponsored by the chapter. (continued on page 5) February 2006 1
Published by UNM Digital Repository, 2006 1 Wagon Tracks, Vol. 20 [2006], Iss. 2, Art. 1
PRESIDENT'S COLUMN All matters relating to Wagon WAGON TRACKS (ISSN 1547 Tracks should be directed to SFTA 7703) is the official publication of by George Donoho Bayless Editor Leo E. Oliva, PO Box 31, the Santa Fe Trail Association, a MIKE Olsen, our former SFTA sec Woodston KS 67675. nonprofit organization incorpo rated under the laws ofthe State of retary, gave an incredibly exciting Toll-free Phone: 888-321-7341 FAX: 785-425-6865 Colorado. Letters and articles are and informative presentation at the E-Mail:
2 Wagon Tracks February 2006
https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/wagon_tracks/vol20/iss2/1 2 : Wagon Tracks. Volume 20, Issue 2 (February, 2006)
SFTA a more vibrant and effective rado Springs will be the chief tempt to "reinvent the wheel" with organization in helping to protect speaker at that dedication, and the similar efforts. Instead, we are going the Trail. I have asked several peo SFTA has given the chapter $250 as to rely on the individual chapters' ple to serve as chair of committees a speaker's fee from our $1,000 pages to reflect the history of the re set up for the retreat. speaker budget. gion in any way they wish, and with Dub Couch of Rocky Ford, CO, So lots of exciting things are com whatever graphics they want to have SFTA board member and the out ing up, and I want all ofyou and your placed on the site. In addition, we going president of Bent's Fort Chap friends to be a part of this. Please may also be able to convert printed ter, is chair of the Chapter/Associa contact me anytime at 505-983-6338, material such as auto tour and local tion Relations Committee. PO Box 23928, Santa Fe NM 87502, Trail maps to digital files and place Joanne VanCoevern ofSalina, KS, or e-mail me at
February 2006 Wagon Tracks 3
Published by UNM Digital Repository, 2006 3 Wagon Tracks, Vol. 20 [2006], Iss. 2, Art. 1
require that the individual have a Dub Couch wrote the following Kent Borges & Stephanie Dicenzo computer, e-mail, and the basic tribute to Phil: "I believe Phil Pe Bill & Susan Bunyan skills to use them (of course, people tersen did more than anyone to re Charlotta Burton with full-featured computer systems store and make us aware of the his Glenn & Rosemary Busset and advanced skills are certainly tory of the Arkansas Valley, South Irwin & Florence Cromwell welcome to take the positions). east Colorado, Santa Fe Trail, and Jim & Laura Crowe We would like to have a liaison Boggsville. With Zebulon Pike's jour Carlton & Marketta Damonte person from each chapter by March nals, he was able to locate Pike's first Leo Dodson 1, so we can begin the chapter pages. sighting ofPikes Peak. While driving Bill Dopke Once your chapter has chosen one, from La Junta toward Bent's Fort, David DuBois please have them contact me at he could point out where all the land Diana Dunn
4 Wagon Tracks February 2006
https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/wagon_tracks/vol20/iss2/1 4 : Wagon Tracks. Volume 20, Issue 2 (February, 2006)
dia Ellen Bagley Kramer, 1863 ing it. Pat has given historical talks 1943, my grandmother who lived to classes and has accompanied her on the Santa Fe Trail beginning in daughter, Linda Peters, classes on 1867 until the late 1800s. She many historical field trips. She had lived in Dodge City, working in worked with the Middle/High School Dr. McCarty's drugstore from age history teachers to provide talks, 14 until she left Dodge City. tours, and written materials to their Roberta Falkner - In Memory of students. She was asked recently to Hannah Kolkin review the manuscript of a middle Laura C. Ford - In Memory ofRuth J. school-level book about Major Ben Cox net Riley. The book will be dedicated Marcia Fox - In Memory of Laura to her. Jackson The Kearny County Historical So Leo and Carole Hayward - In Mem ciety has an annual dinner and NEW MUSEUM EXHIBIT 0ry of my great-great uncle Taul .1 meeting each April, which Pat has (continued from page 1) • bird Oreal Edwards, massacred at arranged using a different theme The museum is located at 727 Walnut Creek and Arkansas, July each year. She has secured excellent 18, 1864. Grand Avenue. Hours are 10:00 am speakers for programs. Pat has re to 4:00 pm, Tuesday through Sun Brian Murphy - In Memory of Zebu cently developed a program where lon Montgomery Pike day, May through September - and local groups can have meetings at 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Tuesday Lary & Linda Nelson - In Memory of the Museum. A small deposit is re Ronald Aaron Nelson through Saturday, October through quired and the Museum staff sets up April. The museum is closed on city Leo and Bonita Oliva - In Memory of tables and chairs. She hopes to gain holidays. Further information can be Grace Muilenburg more exposure for the Museum in obtained at
February 2006 Wagon Tracks 5
Published by UNM Digital Repository, 2006 5 Wagon Tracks, Vol. 20 [2006], Iss. 2, Art. 1
a modern walk across the old Trail. cluded a parade with a ride in a Con other dimension ofhumor, the plot is Tours for the event also varied. estoga wagon. They were filmed for based on a Sherlock Holmes story One visited prehistoric sites of the local television, written up by the As and uses Doyle's famous villain, Dr. Wichita Indians, including a modern sociated Press, and were given Roylott, as the evil stepfather. A ca archaeology dig, and the footsteps of awards at the symposium banquet. veat in the foreword of the book Coronado. Another traced the mili Instigators Jennifer Reglien and warns, "Resemblance to some living tary route from Fort Harker to Fort Inez Ross from Los Alamos, NM, said persons is strictly intentional." Zarah with a stop at Shafer Gallery they were looking for a challenge Inez Ross and Carolyn Robinson in Barton County to see an amazing when they first decided to begin the presented the program for a recent military collection. Two tours took project, and, later, friend Carolyn End of the Trail meeting, and have participants from Marion County Robinson wanted to get in on the fun. given the show to other groups in (Lost Springs) to Great Bend (Fort During the program Phyllis Morgan, Colorado, and New Mexico. To in Zarah). who lives in Albuquerque, told the quire about having the program at Evening events introduced visi intriguing experience of having a your SFTA chapter meeting or civic tors to the Nicodemus Buffalo Sol strange dream about traveling on a group. call Inez at 505-662-4926 or e diers and their horse maneuvers in trail in a wagon and waking up say mail
6 Wagon Tracks February 2006
https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/wagon_tracks/vol20/iss2/1 6 : Wagon Tracks. Volume 20, Issue 2 (February, 2006)
WHY IS THE TRAIL RENDEZVOUS ALWAYS HELD IN LARNED? JUNCTION PARK TRAIL by Joanne VanCoevern PROJECT AWAITS FUNDING by John Atkinson As vice-president of the Santa Fe Now, how did SFTA become a Trail Association, it is my task to third sponsor of the Larned Rendez [SFTA Board member John Atkin visit with the various chapters. It vous? A letter from SFTA President son, St. Joseph, MO, is chair of this was during one of these recent visits Ross Marshall to Ed Boyd, President project, ajoint effort ofSFTA, the Na that I was asked, "Why is the Santa of the Fort Larned Historical Soci tional Park Service, the City ofGard Fe Trail Rendezvous always held in ety, July 30, 1996, best explains it. ner, KS, and other organizations.] Larned?" Or looking at the question "As you are aware, the Santa Fe AFTER multiple planning meet from another angle, "Why isn't the Trail Association has had a Sympo ings, scores of phone calls, dozens of Rendezvous moved up and down the sium on odd-numbered years during • e-mail messages, and many hours in Trail like the symposium?" its ten-year existence. On even num vested generating funding propos The short answer is simple-it is a bered years, we have not had a SFTA als, the fate of the Gardner Junction local event. But to better understand meeting. The only thing we have Trail Development Project hangs in • how Rendezvous evolved and how done during the even-numbered the balance as its merits are weighed SFTA came to be involved, we need years is to hold a Board of Directors against those of other worthy proj to look at the history of Rendezvous. meeting immediately preceding the ects. When completed, Junction In 1979, Bill Pitts, Director of the Santa Fe Trail Center Rendezvous. Park west of Gardner, KS, will be Santa Fe Trail Center (SFTC), de "During the past year, the Santa transformed into a significant loca cided it would be good to get inter Fe Trail Association has determined tion where travelers can learn about ested people together to learn more that it is time we begin having meet the National Historic Trails to Santa about the Trail. He hoped such a ings annually as opposed to our his Fe, Oregon, and California. gathering would revitalize a waning tory of only on odd-numbered years. Including a National Park Service interest in the Trail and that the The Board of Directors has indicated commitment for $30,000 in Chal seminar would gain attention of the a desire to explore the possibilities of lenge Cost-Share matching funds media. Pitts secured a grant through having the even-numbered year and SFTA commitment of $4,000, the Kansas Committee for the Hu meeting in conjunction with your about $50,000 has been pledged, but manities to fund speakers. The name Rendezvous at the Trail Center. At more than twice that amount is still "Rendezvous" was chosen because it our last meeting at the recent Ren needed. means "to gather or assemble at an dezvous, the Board voted to enter tain an invitation from you to joint Grant writer Karen Angel of the agreed upon time and place." Gardner Historical Museum submit The SFTC hosted the first three venture on such an event. Some of our members are accustomed to at ted a $40,000 grant proposal to the day Rendezvous in March 1980 at Kansas Department of Commerce's the Trail Center, with approxi tending the Rendezvous and since our headquarters is there, it is possi Attraction Development Grant Pro mately 75 people in attendance. gram. A larger funding proposal, Noted historians presented papers ble this arrangement might be mutu ally advantageous." prepared by Melissa Mundt, Assis on the cultural relationships of the tant City Administrator for the City Trail. Professional and amateur his In 1998 SFTA was invited to join of Gardner, has been submitted to torians and the general public were the Santa Fe Trail Center and Fort the Kansas Department ofTranspor invited. The first Rendezvous was a Larned NHS as a third sponsor. The tation's Travel Enhancement Pro success, and the SFTC decided to date was changed to September to gram. hold the event every two years, with coincide with SFTA's symposium dates, placing the two events one Paul Novick of the consulting en the focus on different aspects ofTrail gineering firm Bowman, Bowman history. The 1982, 1984, and 1986 year apart. With the efforts of all three organizations, the 1998 Ren and Novick developed the construc Rendezvous were also held in March. tion plans and cost estimates for the In 1988, it moved to the Thursday dezvous proved to be larger and even more successful. project. Upon successful outcomes of through Saturday after Memorial funding proposals, Paul will also as Day. This June date was maintained Today the Rendezvous history sist in the selection of a construction in 1990, 1992, 1994, and 1996. seminar continues to be a quality • firm. If all goes as planned, the proj With the Rendezvous proving suc educational event and the Kansas ect will be completed during the 2006 cessful and growing larger, heavy de Humanities Council continues to be construction season-in time to be a mands were placed on the SFTC's a major source offunding. The Coun • part of the City of Gardner's sesqui limited staff. It was apparent by cil considers the Rendezvous to be centennial celebration in 2007. one of its premier funded events. 1992 that additional support was The Junction Park project is the needed. Therefore, Fort Larned Na Plans and preparations are now prototype for several to be developed tional Historic Site was invited and underway for the next Rendezvous. along the Santa Fe Trail. Each site agreed to become a cosponsor. The It will be held October 27-29, 2006, will include interpretation panels for speakers for the Rendezvous were with presentations devoted to the Ze that area and information about moved to the Larned Community bulon Pike Expedition Bicentennial. what Trail points of interest are to Center and various activities were And. yes-it will be held in Larned the east and to the west of that loca added to the program. agam. tion.
February 2006 Wagon Tracks 7
Published by UNM Digital Repository, 2006 7 Wagon Tracks, Vol. 20 [2006], Iss. 2, Art. 1
TRAIL ARTIFACTS ON EXHIBIT Trail, or the Kaw Indians of Kansas who were frequent customers at the by Katie Davis Gardner store. Just about anything one could [Katie Gardner is curator ofthe Colo think ofwas sold there, and the store rado Springs Pioneers Museum.} functioned as a large department store and major Indian trading post SEVERAL original artifacts of in for miles around. Among the various terest to SFTA members may be seen items recorded in the ledger are: buf on exhibition at the Colorado falo robes, stock animals, clothing, Springs Pioneers Museum in 2006. shoes and hats, bolts of cloth and As part of Pike's World: Exploration and Empire in the Greater South other dry goods, canned food and on occasion fresh fruit (such as water west, several Trail objects will be fea melons), liquors and medicines, tured. A significant part of Pike's tools, weapons, and ammunition, to legacy is the Santa Fe trade that was bacco of every type, paper and writ achieved after the publication of his ing implements, and household journal and reports of the expedition goods and furniture. Unusual or no in 1810. Communication and com table items include a Mexican sad merce opened between Mexico and . dle, canned oysters and lobster, fid .:: " . .. .~ , the United States in 1821, and this '-~-a, dle strings, a set of books, indigo, ._ travel and trade owed a great debt to lemonade, and a ''barn frame." the information gathered and inter the Santa Fe Trail during the height est built by Pike. An early 19th-century American of the trade years. Indian blanket, probably Navajo but Featured is an important Inde perhaps Zuni, owned by Malcolm An original tintype of Malcolm pendence, Missouri, ox yoke. Part of Conn is also exhibited. He acquired Conn housed in its original decora the Colorado Springs Pioneers Mu it as a Santa Fe Trail merchant. Be tive case is also displayed. The case seum collections, this piece has been cause of its early colors (indigo blue, is a dark brown thermoplastic case displayed at the National Frontier pre-aniline red, and natural brown with deep decorative molding made Trails Center in Independence, Mis stripes on a natural white wool to look like fancy carved wood. This souri, for the last several years. The field), and its soft, shiny wool type of early plastic case was made of yoke is stenciled with the words, "W. gum shellac and woody fibers, and ) achieved by worsting churro wool L. McCoy & Co.! Manufacturers off (combing the raw wool instead of first appeared on the market in 1853. Ox Yokes, Bows, Axe Handles/ carding or brushing it) it dates to be The case is lined with green velvet, Wagon Material &c/Independence, tween 1800 and 1850. While Mal and a delicate soft copper filigree MO," probably the only proof on any colm Conn is known to have traveled border surrounds the image itself. extant ox yoke that it was manufac to Santa Fe, it is also possible that he Conn had this portrait taken shortly tured at the jumping off point of the acquired it in trade from some of his after he reportedly helped to save the Santa Fe Trail (see Wagon Tracks, Kaw Indian customers, as south town of Council Grove from being de VI (May 1992): 16-17, for Mark L. western Indian textiles were widely stroyed by Dick Yeager's guerrilla Gardner's in-depth article on this traded among tribes by the mid raiders on May 4, 1863, during the important Trail survival). The yoke nineteenth century. In the ledger Civil War. The date written in pencil . will return to Independence for long there is a June 25, 1859, purchase re on the inside of the case is May 21st, term exhibition after October 2006. corded by Malcolm Conn for "one 1863. Conn had known Yeager in A fine wagon jack with some of its blanket." Could this be the early In ante-bellum trading days and appar original faded blue paint and a dian blanket traded by one of the ently had some persuasion with him grease bucket, both ofthe types used Kaws for supplies? The Westport and his band of ruffians. on 19th-century freight wagons, are Border Star newspaper reported on A recent acquisition of the Mu included. The date "1860" is incised October 8, 1860 that, "A large seum is a wood walking cane with a on the top of the wagon jack in a sec amount of the money paid to the In silver tip; engraved into the silver is tion of hand-forged iron rendering it dians is paid to the merchants ofthis the name "PIKE." This walking stick both historic and decorative. A 1926 place, S. M. Hays & Co., and M. belonged to Zebulon Montgomery print ofa Conestoga wagon and a six Conn, each of them trading to the Pike and was donated by Jean and horse team gives the viewer an idea amount of three or four thousand Steward Davis and their daughter of the type of wagon on which these dollars per day until the money is ex Marianne, Las Cruces, NM. items would have been used. hausted. Rifles are a staple article, These and other extraordinary A number of items once owned by flour, blankets and provisions are artifacts are on display in Pike's Santa Fe Trail merchant Malcolm sold in abundance." World from January 21 through Conn of Council Grove, Kansas, are Since there is no further descrip October 14, 2006. For more infor on exhibit for the first time. His 1859 tion of the blanket, we may never mation on this exhibition or any of ledger from the Stone Store records a know, however it is interesting to the Museum's other Pike Bicen plethora of items sold variously to speculate! It is unusual, however, to tennial commemorative activities, the inhabitants of Council Grove, confirm as we can in this case, that please check the website at
8 Wagon Tracks February 2006
https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/wagon_tracks/vol20/iss2/1 8 : Wagon Tracks. Volume 20, Issue 2 (February, 2006)
SCOUTING THE TRAIL tire document. This means, for ex corrected document to search. ONLINE ample, if you want to search for ref Finding web locations with these erences to oxen in a document, you -A VIRTUAL GUIDE documents can be challenging. It is can find them. Some challenges with truly a labor of love to take old docu Julie Daicoff, Editor these searches relates to spelling ments' digitize them, and upload to a This new column presents a guide and the quality of the original image. web site. This process also cuts into to Trail resources available on the If the word "ox" is used instead of the profits ofpublishers; so there are Internet. Everyone who has found oxen, the search may not be success services that offer access to the infor useful Trail documents online is en ful. Ifthere is marking or black dots mation for a fee. There is, however, a couraged to share the information to on the original document when made wealth of information available on be considered for publication, includ into a digital image, the typography the web at no cost to you. ing web sites featuring manuscripts image may not convert perfectly. For Searching for electronic resources • and published materials (written example, a black dot above the "0" in usually starts with a "google" search records, maps, sketches, and photo oxen may make the software think at
February 2006 Wagon Tracks 9
Published by UNM Digital Repository, 2006 9 Wagon Tracks, Vol. 20 [2006], Iss. 2, Art. 1
without definition after having • Museum open Friday-Sunday, 10 Jefferson Nat. Expansion Memorial been once translated
10 Wagon Tracks February 2006
https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/wagon_tracks/vol20/iss2/1 10 : Wagon Tracks. Volume 20, Issue 2 (February, 2006)
~onday-Friday, 9 am-1 pm (pend and historical programs available for POST OFFICE OAK mg staff availability). all ages. -LETTERS- • Group tours, bookstore, and ar- Reservations to use the Trailside chives by appointment. Center can be made by calling Chuck Editor: Gas and Historical Museum Loomis at 816-942-3724. I extend my heartfelt thanks to all Stevens County Historical Society in the Association for making 2005 a PO Box 87 A PENNY FOR year I will remember. The three Hugoton, KS 67951 YOUR THOUGHTS awards presented to me at the last Telephone: 620-544-8751 Symposium have been hung in my Email: [email protected] by David Clapsaddle work area and are a constant source • Open Monday-Friday 1-5 pm; Sat- [Wet/Dry Routes Chapter President of ~~coura?,ement as I continue my urday 2-4 pm. wntmg.It IS very gratifying to have • Clapsaddle is a frequent contributor Herzstein Memorial Museum to Wagon Tracks.] others appreciate one's efforts. I Union County Historical Society wish great success for the Associa RECENT research by officials from (Second and Walnut Sts) PO Box 75 tion and all of its members in 2006. , Jackson County, Missouri and the Clayton NM 88415 Archive~ Phyllis S. Morgan Telephone: 505-374-2977 Missouri State has re 6001 Moon St NE{t-pt 1923 Email: [email protected] vealed some interesting aspects of Albuquerque, N~87111 • Open 10 am-5 pm, Tuesday-Satur the 1833 episode in which a mob ran Editor: day. sacked the offices ofthe Evening and Wh~le Morning Star, a Mormon newspaper . I couldn't attend the sympo SIUm It was a pleasant surprise to published in Independence Mis TRAILSIDE CENTER OPEN learn of the Paul Bentrup Ambassa souri. Subsequently, the mob 'seized by Ann O'Hare dor Award. It reminded me of the two Mormon members, Edward Par time Paul stood up in the middle of [Ann 0 'Hare is a member ofthe Mis tridge and Charles Allen, and took the first symposium in Trinidad and souri River Outfitters Chapter and them to the public square where they sang "Do you know the way to Santa SFTA and wrote this article for the were tarred and feathered. Three Fe?" to the melody of "Do you Know chapter newsletter.] years later, a court was convened in the Way to San Jose?" Through Paul which a fine of $750.00 was imposed THE Grand Opening of the Trail the Santa Fe Trail certainly "lived for the destruction of the newspaper side Center at 99th and Holmes in on" and it is with that sentiment and office and a fine of one cent was lev South Kansas City, Missouri, was commitment that I gratefully ac ied for the tar and feathering, rather held on July 16, 2005. The redes knowledge and accept the award! reminiscent of the one-cent reward igned former bank building is the re Thank you! offere~ for the return of a young ap sult of a coordinated effort between Joy L. Poole th,e Ci~y of Kansas City, MO, and the prentIce named Christopher Carson. 125 W L!1pita Rd HIStoncal Society of New Santa Fe. Life was cheap in the early 1800s. Santa Fe N~ 87505 Because of its proximity to the Santa The unfortunate events would be Editor: Fe, Oregon, and California National of little interest to Santa Fe Trail I am writing to express my thanks Historic Trails, the Trailside Center enthusiasts except for two men for the Award of Merit given me at has been certified by the National named among the defendants, Sam the Board of Directors meeting at Park Service as an interpretive site. uel Owens and Benjamin Majors. McPherson, KS. The recognition is The Grand Opening ceremony Owens was the proprietor of Owen's very much appreciated. Landing east of Independence on the was well attended by the public and The historic trail authorized by Missouri River and prominent in the members of historical groups. Mis Congress represents the best in com Santa Fe trade. Majors was the sour~ River Outfitters members pres memorating the nation's history and father .of Alexander Majors, a ent mcluded Jane Mallinson Anne culture. It captures significant sto partner m the famed Russell, Majors Mallinson, Nancy Lewis, Ma;y Con ries worthy of conveying to future and Waddell freighting firm. The rad, John Atkinson, and Ross and generations. Pat Marshall. Jane Mallinson Mis ~ec~rd d.oes not speak to the religious mclmatIOns of the elder Majors, but What I have accomplished is in souri State Society DAR presen'ted to collaboration with numerous others the Historical Society of New Santa the same cannot be said for son Alexander. He gave Bibles to across many years. From the first Fe a copy of the book Milestones in gathering in Trinidad, CO, to the Missouri's Past. ~mployees, forbade cursing, smok mg, and work on Sunday. It is said present, the work of education and The Trailside Center has many preservation is done in partnership functions. The vault of the former that many of his men, being illi terate, used pages from the good with individuals, members ofthe As bank ~s n~w a museum created by sociation, National Park Service the Hlstoncal Society of New Santa book for cigarette paper but re frained from cursing until they had staff, and countless others. Fe. A spacious Community Service Again to the Santa Fe Trail Asso Room can be reserved for meetings difficulty scaling the treacherous road over Raton Pass. Be that as it ciation, I extend my thanks and ap and educational programs by school preciation for the award. and nonprofit organizations. Audio may, one could hope that we will visual equipment is available. An ul never return to a one-cent society Jere L. Krakow which, pardon the pun, was in many timate goal is to make educational 9411 Lona Lane NE ways rather senseless. Albuqueque NM 87111
February 2006 Wagon Tracks 11
Published by UNM Digital Repository, 2006 11 Wagon Tracks, Vol. 20 [2006], Iss. 2, Art. 1
THE MEMOIRS OF JARED L. SANDERSON, "STAGECOACH KING," PART II [These memoirs, the property of my men to never attack an Indian SFTA member David J. Dunning, and to never kill one only in self are printed here with his special per defense. Once we were obliged to kill mission. Anyone wishing to use any nine ofthem when they had attacked of the material in these memoirs our coach at Coon Creek Station - but must secure permission from him, this did not occur often, and only as I PO Box 264, Elkins NH 032333, have before stated, as an act of re (603) 526-6939, e-mail:
12 Wagon Tracks February 2006
https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/wagon_tracks/vol20/iss2/1 12 : Wagon Tracks. Volume 20, Issue 2 (February, 2006)
sociations as well as its intrinsic then conversation follows. had to be so. Each one knew his place value; quickly and deftly as possible, A well made Indian lodge is a very and his duty. No man had anything amide their curses and cries of comfortable retreat - it is usually but his own line of work to attend to. "Hands up, you son ------,"1 made of tall strong poles, covered From the Superintendent to the managed to slip it between my trou with buffalo skins tied together with hos[t]ler, each one knew what was to sers, and as it fell to the ground the sinews of that animal, and in the do, and he also knew that it must be worked it amid the weeds and winter it is kept warm and very com done well and promptly. Each em grasses at my feet. Itwas a tense and fortable, while in the summer with ployee also knew that when he, by anxious moment - but just at that the covering raised to the top, a cur faithful performance of his duties time a band of Indians came gallop rent of fresh air circulates, and it is had earned promotion to a higher ing up on their ponies. They took in cool and shady. I have seldom passed post, that position was offered him. the situation at a glance, and with a more restful and comfortable hour He did not have to ask for it. the natural instinct and quickness of than in an Indian lodge. . One young man came into our of this child of nature, fired at the men The women do all the work, but fice at Kansas City seeking employ who were even then rifling the pock they are of such a quiet, uncomplain ment one day. I had no vacancy at ets of us all, killing them instantly. ing, stoical nature, that this has that time, but gave him a position to We were all paralyzed at the at grown to become the accepted condi substitute for a couple of weeks. I tack and stood motionless, not know tion of life. The Indian regards work soon saw his worth and value to the ing but what that was to be our fate, as beneath his dignity, and leaves it Company, and following one advance when the leader, who was Chief all for his squaw - still the affection after another along the line of stage Stumbling Bear [Kiowa], came to between them when seperation or promotions, at last made him station where I was standing and saluting trouble comes is as strong as in the agent at Trinidad, where he worked me with great respect, said: "How[.] white race. faithfully for me until the railroads Indian friend of Capitan No bad man One instance ofthe devotion ofthe once more compelled me to give way hurt friend of red men," showing it Indian wife came to my attention to them. Since that time he has filled pays well to be friendly with the In when travelling along South of the many positions of trust, and is today dian. Arkansas near Fort Dodge. Our the Post Master of that place. When We soon recovered our valuables, party came across a dead Indian who ever business calls him to Denver, he and one of the Indians finding a had been killed by the whites a few never fails to come up to Boulder to bright ten dollar gold piece at my days before. It was fearfully cold out visit his old employer and friend. The feet, offered to restore the same, on that bleak prairie, yet at his head hours spent with him seem to renew when I gave it to him, thinking it a was a squaw frozen to death. Such my life and we both agree we would if small return for deliverance from devotion could not be surpassed in we could turn backward the wheels perhaps death, as these road agents the white race. of time and enjoy the duties and often kill those whom they have pleasure of our business life on the The young squaws take much old stage coach. robbed to prevent identification. pride in their dress and are much at Everyone of the party were grateful tached to their ponies, of which they The last visit he made to me he re to the Indians and rewarded them take entire care, and many a white called many incidents which for the generously. man in early times has taken one of time had passed from my mind, but The pipe is the Indians constant these dusky maidens for his wife, liv when recalled were as fresh as ever companion and best friend, and ing content and raising a family, but to my memory. when he dies, along with his arrows usually if he leaves for the East, he He was a man who worked for my and war club, it is laid in his grave leaves his family behind him, for the interest, I rewarded him by promo beside him, for he expects to again Indian cannot be happy in civiliza tions, for thirteen long years I em enjoy it in his Happy Hunting tion. ployed and trusted him and he Ground. The Indian will leave all of the proved worthy of that trust. This The pipe of peace is sacred to the pitching of the lodges, gathering man is D. D. Finch, Postmaster of Indian, quite a fanciful affair, orna wood, making fires, and cooking the Trinidad. mented with eagles' quills and with a food, for the woman to do, while he Would that I could impress on the • solemn pledge, each cheif smokes it sits and smokes, and talks. He is minds of every young person who for a moment and then the war dance kind and proud of his children when reads these pages, the truth of the commences - and peace is estab they are boys or young braves, but fact that fidelity to ones' trust pays. lished. It always brings its reward. Do your • has no interest in them when they The first pipes known of were are girls. An Indian never whips his best work every day, there will then made of red sandstone, which was children, believing such a course be no question but what success and quarried from the mountain side, would take away his spirit, and pre advancement will be yours. then wooden pipes followed, made vent him ever becoming a warrior. Of course I could refer to many in out of the hardest wood the Indians [Employees] stances somewhat similar to this could find. When a stranger comes to Among the men who were in my story of faithful continuance, but an Indian lodge, he is first given a employ, I seldom had any cause for none which surpass the fidelity of drink of water, then something to complaint. I admit the discipline was Mr. Finch, who holds a very warm eat, and then a pipe to smoke, and rigid among one thousand men, it spot in my heart.
February 2006 Wagon Tracks 13
Published by UNM Digital Repository, 2006 13 Wagon Tracks, Vol. 20 [2006], Iss. 2, Art. 1
There are many men who worked the duties he was called upon to do. him, and travelled along to the end of on this trail, whom I knew only by In the scorching mid day sun or in the route the same as though he was their names on the pay roll, as my di the terrific snow and wind storms he in harness. Mter that, we let him vision Superintendents and Station obeyed the call of his master, even to have his own way, and perform his Agents had power to both hire and the unexpressed wish. duties the same .as he had done for discharge. But in all my experience I have many years prevIOUS. To my brother, Harley Sanderson, never met such horsemen as the In Horses are more like humans now of Pueblo, I shall ever render dian, and when an Indian has a fa than people understand, and the tribute for his noble and unswerving vorite pony no amount of money will same feelings that cause people to devotion, to his most arduous duties, . tempt him to part with it. They will desire to wear out instead ofrust, are and his fidelity to my interests. He sometimes, however try to trade it evidenced in the horse. I feel like on filled the position as General Super for a White Squaw or pappoose of every page giving tribute to the noble intendent of the Colorado division. which they have great admiration. horse without which I never could To all those brave men who The Comanche was of all the tribes have done my part in opening up this worked for, and with me, and helped the most expert horseman. They western country. All is a matter of me, lowe my kindest remembrances. wore less clothes than even the progress and the horse has done fully [Horses and Mules] jockey and almost lived on the horse; his part. the women and the squaws did all of My life and its work would not be I want at this time to write about the work, the men fished, hunted the mule, that brother of the noble complete if I did not give due tribute game and rode the horse. to the wonderful intelligence and sa horse to which I have just made ref gacity, the faithfulness, of the noble These years and route were full of erence on another page. four footed animal, the horse. During danger and sacrafice. I came to Kan Few people understand this ani my busiest years I worked 5000 sas City in 1860. Up to that time mal, in fact he is usually regarded horses and mules on the stages. To transportation was crude and ir with a sort.of contempt, while I can them lowe the success I enjoyed, as regular, owing to the unsettled state most emphatically say, and have they were the most faithful of ser of the country at this time, there was proved it by many instances, that vants. Pages could be written oftheir a steadily increasing interest in the when bred with the same care, seeming understanding, exerting Great West, awakening in the minds groomed, stabled and fed as well as with an almost human intelligence of the East, and away back in we do the horse, I have found him his the greater speed which danger ex Norther[n] Vermont on the border equal in every respect. acted of them. line ofCanada, I felt that great possi He has more endurance, and was bilities awaited anyone willing to On one occasion as I was driving at all times more to be depended on brave the dangers and privations through the hardships of our jour from Warrensburg to Pleasant Hill, that would be met by them. [Missouri] I came in contact with a neys. He will exist on one quarter of regiment of soldiers on their way to Mr. [Bradley] Barlow who at one the food it requires to sustain the Lexington, under command of Gen time was my partner, was a man of horse, and when treated kindly and eral [Sterling] Price. Realizing my rare business acumen, and when I shown the same affection he repays danger, I urged my pair of roadsters told him my plans, we talked over with a very strong and decided at onward! Part of the rear guard see the situation and as it impressed tachment to his owner. His patience, ing me, pursued me. It was nip and him favorably, he said to me: "Go his unfailing good tempered effort to tuck - my horses showed their blood, ahead, Sanderson, I will back you fi serve, I have often commented on. and seemingly realizing the danger, nancially to what amount it will re I have often regretted that the made good time and I reached Pleas quire." As he was a man of large prejudice against the mule existed as ant Hill in safety. One of the pair means, I felt this insured success for I know so well their value, and their dropped dead at the finish, while the the enterprise if I did my part. This possibilities. They are now selling at other was tenderly cared for the rest naturally increased my courage and $500 to those who understand them. determination to win. of his life, and ended his days on my One of my pet teams for many a farm at Manchester, just outside of Among my horses which were as ride over the plains was one of five St. Louis, where at the close of the children to me, was an old horse white mules. A white mule is quite a war I made my home for several Pete, formerly owned by Butterfield rare specimen. It was arranged with years. of the stage lines. This horse up to three in the lead, and two on the I have had many evidences of the age of twenty six years, per wheel, and a swifter, prettier, safer their loyalty and friendship. The formed his duties as stage horse on team never· showed itself on the horse when treated right will en the lead of a six horse team. Feeling plains of Colorado. I gave them into tirely renounce his will to that of his he had done his work, I was willing the hands of Ezra Ide, (who now lives master, and his fidelity equals that to let him off duty, and nad the coach in Boulder) whom I considered one of of the dog. He seems to know intui start off with another in his place. the very best whips along the Santa tively what is required of him and it Old Pete did not like this, and was Fe Trail. restless and worried, he pawed and gives him pleasure to obey. He is at At one time when it was necessary once tractable and courageous and neighed, and would not eat his food, and the next time his mates started for me to go from Iron Springs at on the desert plains, whether by day short notice, I had Ide take me there or by night, responded cheerfully to offon the trip, he took his place along side of the one who had supplanted with this team of mules. It was a pic-
14 Wagon Tracks February 2006
https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/wagon_tracks/vol20/iss2/1 14 : Wagon Tracks. Volume 20, Issue 2 (February, 2006)
ture in itself - they seemed to know from our native animaL They are become some of the most important every want of Ide's - they responded usually secured by means of a lasso. and valuable corners in Denver, to every word, and they skimmed Sometimes some fine specimen are Pueblo, Kansas City, Trinidad and over the ground at such a pace that found. I remember particularly one several other cities along the traiL at a short distance they looked like a little black stallion, one of the most Many persons have asked me small flock of birds. perfect creatures I have ever seen, "Well, Colonel, were you ever held That was many years ago, yet to very wild. He was with a band of wild up?" Sometimes I feel like answering day when, Ide calls on me at my home horses near Carson [Kit Carson, "I should say so" By Indians, By he invariably refers to that drive, Colorado]. He was so beautiful I was whitemen and in every way possible; and in his own expressive language determined to possess him, so I had but as I Know what you mean, I will says: "I picked em up'on the pint of one of my men crease him. To crease answer ''Yes, often." The Road Agent my whip, and never dropped em till is to shoot so as to cut a certain vein, spared no chance of looting the stage we reached Iron Springs," twelve which stuns the animal for a while, whenever he had reason to believe a miles away in one hours time, from but does not injure him. I took this snug sum awaited his attack and • Timpas. horse back to my farm near St. this was why I was obliged to employ To us all who have had close asso Louis, put him under the care of my such men as I have written about ciation with these faithful servants head trainer, and made a fine car and I can here add most truthfully if of man, there is a facination and an riage horse of him, admired by all it had not been for the bravery of the exhiliration not to be found in any who saw him. stage drivers, their courage and dar other mode of traveL On this trail we once went from ing, this Western country would The packmule or mule-train is Carson to Bents Fort, a distance of never have been settled. along with the coach superseded by some fifty miles, by a new way. There At one time, the very first day out the railroad, still even to the present was no road path or traiL Grazing by of Fort Dodge, the stage was at day they are found in the mountains the river side I saw two beautiful tacked by two hold-ups travelling on travelling along very narrow and horses which had probably escaped the coach as Methodist Ministers. seemingly impossible passes, carry from an emigrants outfit. We found They had been singing psalm songs, ing prospectors outfits, and still the owners after awhile, but this led and in a general way trying to divert showing they yet have some place in us to think my beautiful black stal the drivers attention - but there is an life's work. lion owed what he was to being the indescribable something that gives a son of a domestic mare which in villian away every time, and we were Sometimes the mule trains have some way had become lost on the numbered from fifty to two hundred used on such a trip to count every plains, and finding a band of wild man a rogue, until we proved him a animals and they travel from ten to horses joined them and so was lost to fifteen miles a day. They are not al friend, at the same time, treating the owner, but raised a higher grade him as a friend until proven a rogue, lowed to stop as with the heavy bur of horse than otherwise would be den they carry of about one hundred and so as we were stopping by the found among a wild band, though the wayside, our two friends called out pounds it is hard for them to get up. best authorities claim these wild A mule has more intelligence than he "Hands Up"! The passengers were horses to be descendants of the Ara frightened, but the driver somewhat is usually given credit for. At night in bian. a journey the pack is taken off of prepared waited for the right mo them, and they are allowed to roam From 1860 to 1912 is a lifetime of ment and fired at first one and then about feeding, and in the morning itself. Fifty two years since I came to the other. They were so taken by sur each mule knows its own pack and this wonderful country. It was then a prise at the quick action they did not very seldom makes a mistake. These territory; in 1876 it was admitted to have time to save themselves, and packs when taken off at night are the Union as hastening back to the coach the pas placed in a row, in order, and all con The Centennial State. sengers seated we drove off and left nected with this early and primitive From the six horse stage coach to them on the Plains for prey for the mode of travel is conducted on the the steam train of cars traversing buzzards. most regular and systematic man the state. In our journey on the plains we ner. Each has their duty and place. From cottonwoods to choicest were compelled to rely almost wholly ., There is always what is called a bell fruit, for meat upon the wild game and ani mare, and it is one man's duty to go mals that frequented these parts. From the roughest, barest desert The choicest cuts of the buffalo and ahead and lead this mule, who has a lands has sprung the most fertile bell hanging to a strap around her that almost exclusively enjoyed by ranches. From my little stations the white man, the tongue and the neck. The rest of the mule train fol with the corrals for the horses, the low this leader, and become very hump, these are very toothsome only building for miles, have now rarebits. Sometimes, however, we much attached to her. grown busy, bustling cities ofwealth, One of the features of the plains were very thankful for any of it, and culture and beautiful homes. The In would take an animal, cutting it in less frequently written about is the dian and the buffalo, the greasewood wifd: horse, which abounded in large parts, and leting it dry for future use, and the prairie dog which dotted the hung on hooks on the side of the bands. These are credited to the in plains are of the past. Land upon vasion ofthe Spaniards into America coach in readiness for a meal at any which my stations were built, and time. and are a different class of horse which I sold for a few dollars, have I can well remember once in De-
Febr'uary 2006 Wagon Tracks 15
Published by UNM Digital Repository, 2006 15 Wagon Tracks, Vol. 20 [2006], Iss. 2, Art. 1
cember, 1865, as we were coming to a picture and a story. The coach has unpacking the furs, they would then Fort Bent, being surprised at the left its mark in one way or another trade them off for a fraction of their jerkings of our coach, and looking all along the country. In many places value. However, the Indians were back we were somewhat alarmed at along the route where the plough has satisfied and the white man made seeing a large wolf following the not disturbed the soil, the ruts can large sums of money by these deals. stage coach, and at intervals jump still be seen from the windows of the In the days ofthe Sixties, the West ing and brabbing [grabbing] at the cars as they pass through the coun was considerably talked of in the meat which hung on the side. I may try entering Kansas City. homes of the East and anyone here add it also jarred our nerves when Colonel [Jesse] Leavenworth was was sure to hear from friends there we thought he might decide on trying often a traveller on our coaches, as with requests for information and other food and attack us. he had command ofa military post in the amount of people who wanted The driver who was a fine shot, New Mexico. Colonel [Albert G.] passes over the Santa Fe Trail to see crawled along the top of the coach Boone, an Indian agent was also a the new country were so numerous and fired into the beautiful wild close friend of mine. He was a good we were obliged to issue the follow
creature while he was absorbed in friend of the Indians and they were ing cards which were sent as replies .1 eating the buffalo meat, and laid him always willing to help him in any to these requests: low. This saved both our lives and way they could. He was always just "Dead Heads" our meat. The pelt of this wild wolf and fair in his dealings with them. The following correspondence will was one of the handsomest I have He was, when I knew him, living in speak for itself, and the reader will ever seen, and when it had been Booneville, Colorado, on a large certainly find something therein to properly cured by some friendly Indi ranch, east of Pueblo, on the banks of "point a moral" ifnot to adorn a tale: ans' I presented it, with my tale of the Arkansas, and was often visited adventure to one of my friends at by large bands of Indians. I never "Gentlemen:- Washington, and when I last saw it, knew ofhim taking any advantage of "Understanding that you propose it ornamented the floor of his hand the Indian, while others used every to issue a number ofpasses over your some drawing room, and was one of means available to get the best ofthe popular line for 1865, I desire to his most highly prized treasures and bargain. Cotton shirts were often ex avail myself of the chance thus of mementoes of the West. It also gave changed for buffalo robes, and red fered by your generosity. My wife him quite a unique subject for con cotton handkerchiefs for gold nug and eight interesting children have sideration with his friends, for I gets. It was a singular fact that the long desired to visit the Switzerland must say the West held a great deal Indian could on no account be per of America, and climb its towering of interest among the people of the suaded to tell where he found this peaks, whose snowy scalps are pin Eastern cities. gold, but whenever he wanted to, he nacled in clouds. Many of those whom I have met could get nuggets of value. For the enjoyment of the pass and talked with of these days of the Bents Fort, Pueblo, and Big Tim over, my family will endeavor to Santa Fe Trail and the exciting expe bers were large and favorite trading make the trip as pleasant as possible riences ofthe old stage coach, like Ol posts for the Indians to meet the for the Stage Company, speak gently iver Twist, cry for more. white man, and it was at Pueblo, I to the drivers, pat the mules and every way render themselves agree Very few of the men are now living was most fortunate in trading for six whom I knew in those days. The beautiful beaver robes, five of which able. coaches themselves are relegated to were destroyed in the fire of the Old "I remain, the past. The last one of them I kept Pacific House at Kansas City, when "Your very obedient servant, as a reminder of those days, in the it was burned in the sixties. "Hon. D. H. Jones." rear of my home in Boulder, Colo What seemed to us a singular The following answer was in rado, and strangers as they passed habit ofthe Indian was his method of stantly returned by telegraph: very frequently paused and asked conducting his sales or trades. When "Honored Sir:- permission to photograph it. Often he had secured a quantity oHurs, the "Having a most exalted opinion of some of the party would be sitting in whole party would proceed to the your considerateness and modesty, and on the coach. It was regarded as trading post, men women and chil and feeling honored by your episto a great curiosity. At length I sold it to dren, and dogs. They would make a lary notice, we 'hump' ourselves to Johnny Carmack, who ran the stage pack train ofthe dogs, and in the ear reply. lier days they bore the furs strapped route to Nederland, the great tung "In order to relieve your sensitive on poles - after a while, in later sten camp, through the wonderful nature from the burden of any obli years, the horses supplanted the Boulder Canon, world widely known gation in the matter, we would sim dogs, and the furs were strapped on for its magnificent beauty ofscenery, ply and significantly request you to the sides with two poles about ten or and then it became the rage of the favor us with the following requisites time to ride up the Canon in the old fifteen feet long for support. They for a popular line, that they may be stage coach, leaving Boulder every would then, on arriving at their des delivered at any of our stations, and morning on the arrival of the train tination, get comfortably settled in as often as your generosity may per their tents made ofbuffalo hide, very from Denver. It was crowded with mit: tourists, clamoring for seats, a pho thin, and after the men had enjoyed tographer invariably went along a good smoke and the women had "One car corn; one car oats; one with the party, and many sent home done all the work of getting settled, ton ofhay; six kegs ofhorseshoes; six
16 Wagon Tracks February 2006 https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/wagon_tracks/vol20/iss2/1 16 : Wagon Tracks. Volume 20, Issue 2 (February, 2006)
kegs muleshoes and six boxes of watch his ears, and you can tell when thing to do is to seek refuge by hud nails. danger lurks ahead. dling together inside of the coach, "Feeling the deepest interest in STORMS AND HORSES. first tying securely each horse to the Mrs. J. and her eight darlings and Imagine if you will, on a dark wheels. Such a still spectral dark admiring the sublime altitude of night, along a mountain road, a ness as the night is enshrouded by their aspirations, we remain, coach load of passengers from Lead with the broad expanse of drifted 'Very tenderly yours, ville.to Canon City. There is a point snow, with the cold cutting wind, "J. L. Sanderson, seven miles from Canon City where keen as a razor, the sense of aloof "Pres. S. O. M. Co." the road is barely wide enough for ness from man and civilization is al most appalling. On January 30, 1863, one of the our coach to pass. A steep precipice, worst snowstorms that had ever vis then a roaring rush of water in the The horses still obedient to the voice of the driver, doing their best ; ited this part of the country pre creek below, into which the coach fell vailed. Between Green River and Big from the road above, rolling over before they seem willing to give up Sandy, one of our drivers named Do three times in its descent and land the struggle against the elements, herty, started with the mail. He had ing in the swift current of the showing at times, almost human in been on the road only a short time stream, upside down. The passen telligence, their shoulders covered when the storm came up with fren gers on the outside of the coach with snow, and their flanks steam zied fury..A cold north wind jumped when it slipped off the road. ing with sweat, until exhausted with freighted with snow and ice itself, They happily were not severely in effort, their breath nearly gone, they blew right in the faces of the driver jured, and wonderful as it is, the in were compelled to stop and give up and horses. The horses became un side passengers were not danger the struggle unable to go a step fur manageable, and would not face the ously hurt, although very much ther. storm, the drifting snow was blind frightened. In this situation we stayed until ing, and Doherty finally lost his way. This accident was in the night, morning, when the storm abated, Mter unharnessing the horses, he and it was not until morning the peo and we slowly moved onward to the turned them loose, thinking that as ple were rescued from their uncom next station, some four miles dis it was only four or five miles more he fortable position. Only one horse was tant, when warmth and food were could brave the storm on foot. He fatally hurt, and as another outfit provided for very thankful travel walked about all that day, and all the was sent to the scene ofthis accident, lers. next, sleeping in a snow bank at the party was able to resume their Notwithstanding such hardships night. One of the horses never left journey. It was one of the most mi and perils, there were many who him all of this time, the animal raculous and hairbreadth escapes travelled over this new country in would guide him to the road, helped that ever came under my notice. those days for sightseeing and pleas and seemed to coax him along. When I myself, went up and helped de ure, and I often now wonder if after Doherty's feet became numb, and he tach the horses from the coach, all it was not much more an experi felt that he could not go any further, which was badly damaged, Three ence to be remembered than by the he would take hold ofthe horse's tail, horses were saved, but the off wheel method of today's travel, when in a which would back up to him, and horse was killed. It is a wonder any pullman one rides through this speak as clearly as animals can thing was saved from this catastro grand country at the rate of forty speak to keep up courage and try phe. miles an hour with an occasional again. The[n] Doherty would take At another time a fierce blizzard glance at the passing scenery. These hold and a little more distance would came, a most terrible thing to experi were indeed years of interest and be covered, and thus they travelled ence. The blinding sheets of snow lasting remembrance, and I can yet through that bleak wintry snow and mist compelled us to stop our hear in memory's ear, the song ofthe storm in distance and darkness, in journey, in fact the horses refused to merry and adventurous stage driver, feeling and comradcy like two men proceed. It was impossible to see as, mounting the box, and cracking and when at last the lights shone out ahead any distance and so we were the whip over his loved horses, for from our next station, this intelli marrooned until the storm passed the drivers grew to love their team, gent animal gave repeated neighs over, nearly frozen to death with the with a fondness pleasant to witness, .. which when heard called the men to cold, faint with hunger, the whole and I always made it a point to, as far the door where they discovered Do coach-load of passengers were in a as consistent with good manage herty, still clinging to the tail of the most pitiful condition and experi ment, keep driver and horses to horse, almost frozen to death. Every enced an adventure as unusual as it gether, - happy in singing or whis ,~I thing was done for the comfort of was dangerous and exhaustive. tling the well known song of the both man and horse, but it was an boys, A storm on the prairie is akin to a experience awful to pass through "A life in the wild west for me, and never to be forgotten. Doherty storm at sea, an upturned coach in a blizzard on the plains, little less dan A name on the pay roll I see, owed his life to the wonderful sagac of ity of this horse. This is only one in gerous than a shipwreck in mide ocean - the snow piles itself up in a Sanderson's Santa Fe Trail." stance of many when this noble How well it comes to me, the friend of humanity has saved a menancing defiance. The anguish of mind in such conditions and sur pleasant warm days when the faith man's life. The hearing of a horse is ful horses to whom lowe a debt I can acute - the instinct wonderful. Only roundings is unparalleled; the only
February 2006 Wagon Tracks 17
Published by UNM Digital Repository, 2006 17 Wagon Tracks, Vol. 20 [2006], Iss. 2, Art. 1
never repay, as they climbed these This shows the memory and the fi good shot they were. I imagine it ap hills and scented the keen spring air delity of the four footed animal. A peared to the Indian about the same of the valleys, how when we came horse seldom forgets a kind master as if now, some superior or stronger near steep ascent, I would dismount and is ever ready to share with him power were to swoop down on some and saying "Come boys, lets ease up fatigues and victories. The horse of these large cattle ranches and on the horses," would walk beside sees danger and braves it, while he is wantonly kill the stock. the coach, and often stopped to pick alive to all excitements he submits to It was on the morning ofthe 6th of up stray stones that lay in the road, the arm that guides him, and seems July, 1865, that I was coming along lest the horses step on one. I did this to know the desire of his rider, and the Arkansas River near Plum as much, I can truthfully say, to save acts obedient to the impressions he Buttes when I saw a big cloud ofdust the horses from possible pain and in receives. He seems to renounce his a little distance away, and as it came jury, as to prevent any financial loss being to the will of another, which he nearer I saw and heard an immense to myself, for although I owned and seems to anticipate. He gives his number of buffalo tearing their way worked many thousands of horses strength without reserve and exert toward the river. Knowing that through the years of my business ing himself to the limit, has at times death was certain unless we could life, I have never yet allowed, myself been known to die, rather than sur escape their path, we turned our or anyone in my employ, to be un render before his task is done. horses in another direction and got kind or unjust to them. The main buffalo range was from out of their path. On they came, the Few of us realize the sagacity and Fort Larned to Fort Lyon five, ten, air black with their huge massive intelligence of the horse - as my life even twenty thousand of them being bodies as they went to the river's has more than once been saved by visible at one time, sometimes fight edge to drink. The water gurgles in his instinctive knowledge of danger, ing, bellowing and making the plains their throats, it drops from it as they as well as by his swiftness oftravel, I resound with thE)ir cries. We always stand, with an expression at once will never cease to give him justice gave them as wide a berth as possi stupid and abstracted, for the buffalo and due acknowledgment, and right ble. They enjoy swimming the wa seems to possess a very dull compre here, I want to tell a little story ofhis ters and wading in any cooling hension of surroundings, and though wonderful powers of intuition and stream. fierce and cruel in 'his attacks, he memory. Their stampedes were a wonder to never seems to be aware of danger, It was near Bent's Fort on the Ar all observers, as one stumbled and even though it is near at hand. Ei kansas River, I was near "Kings fell the remainder fell upon him, and ther all of his faculties must be very Ferry," six miles above, and six miles soon made a mountain of teeming, dense or his hearing is impaired. from what is now La Junta, then struggling animal life. Sometimes I once sent a little buffalo calfback called Timpas Creek. There was a the cries ofthe buffalo could be heard to myoId home in St. Albans. It was thick grove of cotton wood trees at a distance of ten miles. a great curiosity to all the neighbors this point, and as I had travelled in The buffalo was one of the Indians who came for many miles around to the heat of the day for some hours best sources of supply. Clothing and see it, but as it had to be pastured by from Fort Lyon, inspecting the sta food alike was obtainable from him. itself, as it would not mingle with the tions on the Trail, I lay down under The squaw by a process only known cows peaceably, the family had it the shade ofthe trees and fell asleep. to her cured the hides and some of killed, and many families in North The day was warm and I being tired, them were exceedingly beautiful, ern Vermont tasted buffalo meat for slept sound. On awakening, I looked fine as silk, and comparing most fa the first time in their lives. The flesh in vain for my horse, a fine riding vorably with any of the choicer furs is very similar to that ofthe domestic mare, which I valued highly and had sold in the market. These hides were bovine, only coarser in grain and made quite a pet of. I was fortunate most thoroughly scraped and then stronger in flavor. in it being the time for the stage to dressed with some softening prepa All of the stage lines of this early come along, so proceeded on my way ration. In doing this they were day [in Colorado] belonged to Barlow regretting the loss of my faithful pinned on the ground leaving a tight and Sanderson. The business was a horse. surface to work upon. large and interesting one. It was only About a year after that I was down Every particle of the buffalo was as the Denver and Rio Grande was in New Mexico talking to one of my built that we left that part of the utilized by the Indian in some way or • station agents, when a Mexican rode another, and they looked with aston country. We had branch lines all over up on my horse. Imagine my surprise ishment and pain at the willful the land of the west. The traveller when with a friendly whinny the waste of the hunter who shot them went on our lines from Pueblo to Del horse trotted to my side and rubbed down by the hundred, and left them Norte, Wagon Wheel Gap and Lake his [her] nose against my shoulder. to spoil. Sometimes, however, they City and westward from Alamosa to I turned, and looking at the Mexi would cut out the tongue and the the same points.. can said, "Well, your sins have found hump which are considered the Antelope Springs so named on ac you out. You served me a dirty trick a choicest cut of the animal. count of the abundance of antelopes year ago, I'll take my horse and ifyou Parties were often formed in the ranging about there, was quite a ever cross my path again I'll take you East for the purpose of hunting the point for sportsmen. Daily coaches too," and mounting my horse I rode buffalo, and no intention of doing also left for Conejos and Santa Fe, away. anything more than showing what a New Mexico. Fifty pounds ofbaggage were allowed each passenger. Sa-
18 Wagon Tracks February 2006
https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/wagon_tracks/vol20/iss2/1 18 : Wagon Tracks. Volume 20, Issue 2 (February, 2006)
guache in San Luis Park was only a less adventurous. Kansas would never have been a little Mexican town. Alamosa to It is hard to realize such a wonder free state but for Lane and his gang, Santa Fe was one hundred and forty ful growth in such a short period of for gang it was, and a most desperate one miles. The well known Pagosa time as Kansas City shows. and daring one too, for George Hoyt, Springs west of Conejos were after Fifty years ago - but a short time Tom Moonlight and the [Charles R.] ward found to be most valuable, in history - there were only 2319 in Jennison lot, all worked together to though in the days when I was there habitants, while today over 300,000 win. But Lane was the great war they were little known, and though people call Kansas City home. A horse. He was the power that moved we drove daily through Colorado most wonderful growth. Compare the party, a spirit unconquerable. He Springs and Manitou there was little this with any of the cities of the old was the uncrowned King of Kansas, notice taken of the springs there, country and it seems impossible. a man of the people, and a strong that have made that place so famous supporter ofa free state. Determined ,• When I came to Kansas City in 1860, as a health resort. Some of my mules the Indians were in possession of to make slavery have no place within sought them to drink from and about most of the surrounding country her borders, he hesitated at nothing all the use made from that water was they were all in receipt ofliberal an to win the measure he was after. for watering the stock. nuities from the government, there The battle raged hot and heavy, Everywhere through these moun was a large fur trade with the Lane was without education, but tains were found springs of water French. The whole original Kansas was a born orator, his eloquence was abounding, as the Indians thought, City was bought from a Frenchman of the kind that carried conviction, in medicinal virtues. All kinds of for $4220.00, first called Kansas and with it. His energy was wonderful, temperatures generally bursting then Kansas City. travelling all over the territory, he forth from the seams of a rock and Not much business was done here lectured everywhere gaining follow many have been the stories of won until the Santa Fe trade was concen ers or converts. He had no mercy for derful recoveries from their use. No trated at this point. The first hotel his opponents, all ofthe names possi story or history of Colorado is ade was built in 1861, and was a crude ble to convey his aversion and con quate to tell the whole of this won affair of wood. tempt were used. Fool, Coward, derful state's history. I only want to Knave, were hurled at them without The growth of Kansas City shows tell how and what I found in the reserve. High and low were alike to the growth of the great West. It early days, him. He had no care for anyone in draws its supplies from all points One who has never witnessed it gaining his point or helping his thousands of cattle and sheep are cause, but he always won. He carried cannot understand the conditions brought to this market which is that attend a service extending one the vote of the people and through without question the largest in the him more than anyone else, Bloody> thousand miles through an unsettled country. Its manufactures are large, country infested by Indians and Kansas became a free state, and and this city today stands forth as slavery lost a foorthold. guerillas, crossing the plains from the ninth in the value of its manufac Fort Larned to Fort Lyon, a distance tured products. Lane was masterful, although he of 250 miles, without a habitation of broke every rule of public speaking, any kind. The service of carrying the Our office was for many years in used both slang and profanity, his United States mail at this time, was the Pacific Hotel, facing on Fourth eloquence thrilled his listeners and one of great peril and involved a Street. Times were good in the six his earnestness overcame his oppo great risk oflife, and property. It was ties everyone was full oflife and ani nents, and he never failed to sway very important to the country and to mation' eager to try their fortunes in his audience more than any man I the New West, now opening its doors all interested, that this should be have ever heard. done with regularity during the Civil to a land of promise. They did not think of danger until they met them, Such was his power over an audi War, and notwithstanding great dif and life had a zest, a spirit, a hope, ence that he could in half an hour ficulties beset us, we never failed in only seen in a new country. change the entire tenor of their our duty. thoughts and feelings. It was the only means of commu As a large part of the Santa Fe Trail ran through the Territory of Once Lane went to speak in a nication between the states and the place where he was very unpopular, Military Posts in Southern Colorado, Kansas as it was in 1860, there was a great deal which shows very clearly having previously murdered a man and [New] Mexico. It was a service over a slight difference, who was a that the government could not dis the struggles and difficulties, in opening up a new country, among townsman of theirs. As he rose to pense with. All this time we were speak shouts of "Murderer" came paying enormously high prices for which none stands forth with more clearness, than the history of Jim from the audience. The situation was supplies. I lost much property by In intense. Lane's methods were origi dians and guerillas, but as my men Lane, without whose efforts, the set tlement of Kansas would not have nal, no one understood them. He were dauntless in their courage and paused, looked over the assembled spirit of conquering adventure, we been free. No one who was there at that time could ever forget that won crowd, fixed his eagle eye upon one were determined to keep on and ac man, waved his hand for some min complish our work. derful man, a very Napoleon in his control of men. I knew him well and utes, until a dead silence reigned. The mails were delivered on time, often wondered at such a fateful in The whole angry crowd was sub though Indians besieged and storms fluence as he possessed. dued, then he made his speech, hold prevailed which would appall the ing his audience with rapt attention.
February 2006 Wagon Tracks 19
Published by UNM Digital Repository, 2006 19
------Wagon Tracks, Vol. 20 [2006], Iss. 2, Art. 1
The effect was amazing, a roomful of Blacksmiths $100; Hostlers $35; mode of life, ever on the alert for the enemies had become in one short making a pretty heavy pay roll and India.n, who was jeqlous of the inva hour a roomful of friends. every man was paid promptly quar sion of his territory. Such was his power, he was terly, as that was the way we re When resting for the night the elected to the Senate of the United ceived our mail pay from Washing horses and any stock the emigrants States, afterward became Major ton for carrying the mails. brought with them were safeguarded General, and later when he again In securing these contracts for by enclosing them in a corral made wanted to return to Senate, although carrying the mails, we had to bid on by circling the wagons by fastening his successor was appointed, Lane each and every contract as adver the tongue of one into the hind axel took his seat and kept it. With him, tised by the Post Office Department. tree of another. Lights were not to desire was to do and to have, spar They were all let by number and used, voices only in whispered tones, ing neither brain nor brawn to ac there were many bids offered, and all for the terror ofIndian massacre was complish what he wanted. Mter this bids must be certified as true bids by upon every heart. hard struggle for fame and power, the Post Master on that route as des The Santa Fe Trail. his strength gave way, and with it ignated by number. Sometimes we How its memory lingers in the his wonderful influence over the peo bid as low as one cent in order to get mind of every early pioneer of Colo ple, and he died shortly after [the as the contract for the mail, when it was rado as they see the recent marking sassination of Abraham Lincoln], by a very desirable route for passengers ofthis trail [by the DAR] ofthe path his own hand. and express. This was the case once way that led them from their homes He had fought for power, and won from Kansas City to Fort Scott in the in the East across the wild prairie it, but it did not satisfy. His race was time of the rush there. This was a into the land of promise. distance of one hundred miles and won, his work was done. How well they remember the line In my busiest years, the Stage the officials at Washington were much surprised, but it paid us to of prairie schooners, stage coaches Company kept one hundred coaches and freight wagons that daily came on the road. With driver, conductor hold the route against competition and in this way we secured all of the along its path; the growl of the wolf, and at the stations along the routes, the roar of the buffalo that dotted the travel and other business and it the hostlers and blacksmiths, plains by the thousands, the occa proved the wisdom of our action by rounded up the number of men em sional hold up of the stage coach, or showing up a heavy profit at the end ployed, including the office men, to the unwelcome war whoop of the In of the year; while another route, No. eleven hundred on the pay roll. The dian. That was the story of yester yearly receipts from mail contracts 38144, entering into Ouray, the mail pay contract called for $14,842.00. day. That of today is one of monu amounted to between one half a mil menting the trail every few miles lion and one million dollars yearly. As there was little passenger or ex press business on this route, we had along its path with stones. We averaged one hundred mail con Yesterday the Indians and the tracts which were from fifty to one to receive full pay for carrying the mail. stage coach, Today the railroad, and thousand miles in length. the automobile, tomorrow, the aero The active management of this While the Santa Fe Trail ran its continuous course from Kansas City plane. rested entirely in my hands. Follow The Daughters of the Revolution ing on the heels ofthe burro came the to Santa Fe, along the Arkansas River, there were many minor routes have taken an active interest in per stage coach, and we were then in petuating the story of the Santa Fe turn crowded off by the railroad. to accomodate outlying posts among which was that of Fort Scott which Trail, and several have come to me We opened up hundreds of miles route I sold out in 1869 on account of for early information which I most of travel now used by the railroads. I the Railroad being built, which in willingly give. have watched with interest the on fact was the cause for discontinuing Ifthe early settlers and plainsmen ward march of civilization although all stage lines, as the mail's service could have looked forward to the re it caused my business to vanish. calls for the most expeditious that cent gathering at old Bents Fort, and It was necessary to exercise the can be rendered and as the steel have seen the vast array of motor greatest system, and even the small horse is the swifter of the two, I sur cars and other evidences oflatter day est details were carefully considered. rendered to it. civilization, they would have been as Whatever was the duty to do, it This was a finely equipped service amazed as poor old Rip Van Winkle • must be done promptly and well, and and as Kansas City was thriving at when he came back after his long as soon as he had shown himself ca this time and was also the terminus sleep and found the great changes pable offilling a higher position with of the railroad from St. Louis, it be that had come to his own. , more responsibility he was advanced came the point of immigration into I knew this trail in 1860. It was without asking for promotion. the New West. Long trains of emi the travel of the Overland Stage and Everything was graded: Superin grant wagons were of daily occur was then through a desert country tendents of the various divisions re rence. They came in the well known where, with relay stations every ten ceived from $1200 to $5000 per year prairie schooner, with family and all miles and home stations where we according to duties required. Station their household possessions. At could remain over night every fifty agents received $1000 per year; Con night they encamped on the plains, miles. It was infested with Indians, ductors, or as we called them, mes husband, wife and children all doing wild animals and desperadoes. From sengers, $60 per month; Drivers $50; their part in this primitive but free Fort Larned to Bents Fort was a dis-
20 Wagon Tracks February 2006
https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/wagon_tracks/vol20/iss2/1 20 : Wagon Tracks. Volume 20, Issue 2 (February, 2006)
tance of 250 miles, without stations and was the scene of many pleasant a well pleased child. But when he or habitations of any kind for the In incidents both in my day and for was angered and felt he was dians would burn them down as of many years previous. It was built in wronged, he could be, and was, a ten as we would build them. Ante earlier days by one William Bent, devil incarnate. When they lost their lope, buffalo, wolves and wild birds who with five or six other men came faith in the white men, they spared were at every corner or in every tree; to the West and engaged in fur trad no means of protecting themselves. this long rough road is replaced by ing. Its trade was with the Indians of And in Charley Bent was that mix one of approved style and comfort. the Arapahoe, Cheyennes, Kiowas, ture ofthe white man and the Indian Where travel took days in those and Comanches and as Bent was al that brought forth the baser quali times, it now is accomplished in ways fair in his dealings with the In ties of each, but kindness, confidence hours; where danger and discomfort dians, and his influence among them and fair dealing, and I early learned held their sway, there now is safety so good, they were peaceable and he to my advantage, and the Indians and luxury. The Comanches and never had any trouble with them. He benefit, also, to be their friend, and Kiowa tribes of Indians which were did a large and valuable business never myself, or allow any of my then numbered into the thousands and supplied both Eastern and for men, to take a mean advantage of are no more seen, telling more or less eign markets with the finest of furs. them. of the advance of civilization; of a He married an Indian squaw, had (continued next issue) line of settled homes and ranches, of several children· halfbreeds one of towns showing the fruition of the whom, the notorious Charley Bent, hopes ofthose previous days ofpriva was the terror ofthe plains for many tion and struggle. Some have tried to years. His father sent him to St. tell the tale of these days, a story, as Louis for his education, but he re CONVERSE OF THE one writer says, worthy of the pen of turned and lived with the Indians, PRAIRIES a Homer,' a story before which pale was an open enemy to the white fiction today falls flat and uninter man, and seemed to combine in his -BOOK NOTICES- esting. duplex nature, the worst elements of The adventures, the trading with both races. He only escaped just ret Marc Simmons, New Mexico Maver the Indians, for those wondrous furs ribution by dying of a fever. I knew icks: Stories from a Fabled Past. which then were so abundant, is all him well, and right here is another Santa Fe: Sunstone Press, 2005. Pp. but a tale to the people of today, but notable instance of those wonderful 262. Illustrations, map. Cloth, to me, who frequently passed along Providences by which I have ever $28.95; paper, $22.95, plus shipping. this Historic trail, it remains a living been protected in my long and event Simmons, the subject of Phyllis memory. Sheridan, Sherman, Han fullife. Morgan's recent biolbibligoraphy, cock, Kit Carson, Buffalo Bill and Charley Bent was a man feared by New Mexico's Maverick Historian, is many who have gone to the Great all, yet a friend to me. At one time the "historian laureate" of New Mex Beyond, were all there. This was a when it was necessary for me to go ico, with more than 40 books pub new country, with a wonderful fu from Fort Zara to Bents Fort, and lished and more on the way. This col ture opening up to it. The Pony Ex danger lurked in every corner, this lection of 57 vignettes looks at New press had made way for the Stage same halfbreed was near Fort Zara Mexico "characters" in several cate Coach, and we opened up the country with a band oflndians; he came up to gories: When Spain Ruled, Under for the railroad which follows wher my coach, had a friendly chat, and the Mexican Flag, Fighting Indians, ever the stage first went. But the old told me he would see me through The Soldiers' View, Men ofStanding, Santa Fe Trail being of such Historic safe. I trusted him, and he performed Forever Cowboy, Itinerant Writers, memory; and interesting incidents his duty as he had promised. I could Women of Gumption, and Through has opened up the hearts and purses write at length of some of the cruel Children's Eyes. Each section con of the people of today, and they have ties ofthe Indians much others have tains a briefintroduction and several determined to perpetuate its won written is true, but very much is biographical sketches. derful story by marking its pathway exageration. I have confined myself Simmons is a consummate histo and so improving the road that it is to facts known to me through which I rian and writer. Each narrative is now conceded to be one of the finest passed and concerning myself and well told and gives insight into the • automobile drives in the country, the old Santa Fe Trail. That the Indi fascinating history of New Mexico. and one ofthe most historic of all, go ans were cruel I must admit, but all These essays will inspire readers to ing down into future generations war is so, and they were ignorant, of want to know more. with its ever recurring reminders of coarse feelings and their atrocities All these stories are interesting, what the efforts of man can accom were not any worse than many in and several are especially recom plish. dulged in by civilized white people in mended to Santa Fe Trail aficiona One of the best known and most defense of what they felt were their dos: "The Greens of Bent's Fort," "In important trading posts ofearly days rights. cident at Los Valles," "Hang the was Bents Fort, which lay between When the Indian was treated fair, Bishop!," "Strange Mr: Maxwell," "A the Purgatory River and Timpas when he was kept from bad whiskey, German New Mexican," "Rachel Creek about six miles from the town especially when he was well paid for Plummer's Captivity," and "Growing of La Junta. This fort later became his furs, which he had toiled to se Up in New Mexico." the property of the Stage Company cure, he was happy and content like The entire collection provides in-
February 2006 Wagon Tracks 21
Published by UNM Digital Repository, 2006 21 Wagon Tracks, Vol. 20 [2006], Iss. 2, Art. 1
formative and entertaining reading, the preasant but in hopes of being oan countrey[.] they robbers got proving, perhaps, that it takes a well in a few dayes[.] I moast cin some five or six hundred dollars a maverick historian to tell a maver cearley hope that these few lines piece and a good deal of goald in ick's tale. may find you all injoying good lumpes[.] on theire return they took • • • • health when they come to hand wone of them and he toald of they Lowell M. Schake, La Charrette: A but I have but little hopes of every rest[.] they have cought foure of History of the Gateway to the Ameri thing reaching you [.] I recieve them and on persuit of they bal can Frontier. Lincoln: iUniverse, wone of you last Spring and rit you ance[.] theire wone hundre dollars 2005. Paper, $18.95. and Sise[?] but I dount expect you reward a piece offed for them[.] This is a new edition with revi ever receive it for I have knot re they main body of them is camped sions and index, available at Barnes cieve an andsere froom it[.] fathers on they arkansaw awaiting for they & Noble.com, Amazon.com, or call 1 familley is well excpt fathere him main company of they trades to 800-AUTHORS x501 to order. See Self[.] we have had a long coald come in but they have foure or five review in August 2003 Wagon winter and they Spring Seams to be hundred from independence gon Tracks. The original edition is avail very backward ad wet[.] corn is to gard they traders in[.] they ow able from Last Chance Store for $10 very scarce[,] wheat is tolerabley one store at independence thir postpaid. plenty[.] theire is none a going to teen thousand dollars[.] • • •• be raised this yeare[,] they last fall I not know more at preasant but Mark L. Gardner, Fort Union Na was so dry that it did knot come up andswer this when it comes to tional Monument. Tucson: Western and they winter so coald that it hand[.] I would like to heare from National Parks Association, 2005. froase it out[.] we had a snow you oftene if it could bel,] sow Pp.16. Illustrations, map. $4.95 plus heare the first of aprile that was wright when you receive this about shipping. from ten to twelve inches deep. all of they kin[.] I heare from none Gardner has produced another We have wone child we call it Sary of them[.] direct youre leter to they Jane[.] it is sixteen moth old the fine introductory booklet to a Na loan. Jack PO Jackson county Mis- tional Park Service site, Fort Union fourth dy of this month [.] mother soune on the Santa Fe Trail in New Mexico, has anothere girl about foure Juley ann Joines in love to you all[.] 1851-1891. With 20 illustrations monthes oald[.] they have knot no more but stil remain youre affec (many in color), it provides a good named it yet[.] brother James has tionate neffew overview of what was once the larg come home last fall fine and Louisa Samuel S. How to Elisabeth Simpson est military post in the Southwest. has knot bin in sense they moved[.] May 19the[?] 1843 they last we heard from the they COUNCIL TROVE were to have ben in last march[.] TRAIL TROUBADOUR they were boath sick last Janu -DOCUMENTS- ere[.] Times is very hard and money -Traffic in Verse 1843 Letter Mentions the Trail is hard to get for enney thing[.] Sandra M. Doe, Editor Joy Poole found the following let corn is worth one dollare per ter, written by Samuel S. How in barel[,] wheat thirty and forty cents This column seeks poetry which Missouri to his Aunt Elizabeth per bushel[,] corn meal thirty seven addresses the history, realism, ro . Simpson in Indiana, dated May 19, cents per bushel[,] flower from mance, and diversity of the Trail and 1843, in the U.S. History Mss., $1.25 to $2 per hundred weight[,] demonstrates authentic emotion, Manuscripts Department, Lilly Li bacon 3 cts and 4 cts pe Ib[,] work original images, and skill in crafts brary, Indiana University. It men horses thirty and thirty five dol manship. Please submit poems for tions the robbery and death of Anto lares[,] work cattle from eighteen consideration to Sandra M. Doe, nio Jose Chavez on the Trail that to twenty five dollars a youk[,] milk Dept. of English, Campus Box 32, year. It is printed here courtesy of cows and calves froom six to eight Metropolitan State College of Den Lilly Library, Indiana University, dollars a piece[.] ouere countrey is ver, PO Box 173362, Denver CO Bloomington, IN. Thanks to Joy for a getting mightelly fild with thieves 80217-3362. finding it and Curator of Manu and robes[.] about five hundred Leo Hayward of Larkspur, Colo scripts Saundra Taylor for permis started about the first of aprile out rado, a SFTA member who has biked sion to print this letter. It is printed on they Santafee road to rob they the Trail four times, sent this sub as written, original spelling tran trades but they people of inde mission. Recently he guided his wife, scribed as nearly as possible from pendence getting information of Carol, and his sister-in-law, Cather the script. Some punctuation has theire intentions sent an express on ine, on a six-day auto tour of the Dry been added in brackets, and unclear to meat they trades[.] we under Land Route from Lakin, KS, to words are followed by a question stand they happily received and Wagon Mound, NM. Catherine was mark in brackets. Most of the time, camped to wait for assistance[.] so impressed she penned "Muses Samuel How wrote "they" when he theire was wone small company of from the Trail." meant "the." His letter: Spaniard that was still a coming inn Catherine C. Campbell graduated Deare aunt I take my that come in contest with fifteen of from the University of Colorado with pen in hand wonst mor to inform they robbers that was robed and a degree in Criminology. She's al you of oure health[.] we are well they head man killed and they bal ways enjoyed writing poetry, and except meself[.] I am knot well at ance ordered to return to theire this is her first published piece. She
22 Wagon Tracks February 2006
https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/wagon_tracks/vol20/iss2/1 22 : Wagon Tracks. Volume 20, Issue 2 (February, 2006)
reports that Leo's tour was full of lowed ground, tion of camp sites. These maps are tale telling and character develop I swear I can hear each and every invaluable to those following Pike's ment, full of inspiration. Her poem sound route as it was recorded in his jour includes the word play of "term" in Of "Circle the Wagons" giving the nal which has appeared and contin shout, stanza four, to indicate time and sea The groan of animals freshly prepared ues in Wagon Tracks. For those read sons passing, and "hollowed" ground for the mount. ers who have requested maps to help in stanza six to indicate swales and The Santa Fe Trail. History. Stories. understand the journal, please check ruts. Many the lost soul. the web site for complete details. Muses from the Trail As I stand in these ruts, I am now on This is much better than trying to in patrol. by Catherine C. Campbell clude maps in each issue. The web site also contains an overview of the Some thoughts as I stand on the old , dusty Trail Southwest expedition, a series of • In the deep carved ruts and remains summaries of Pike by state and in of the swale Mexico, illustrations, and links to Made by wagon and hoof prints from many related web sites. Thanks to days gone by, all who have made this possible. Contemplating buzzards alive in the sky KAW COUNCILS 2006 Circling above. They won't have to The Kaw Mission State Historic wait long- Dinner is ready, be it man or the beast Site in Council Grove, KS, will de , along. vote the 2006 Kaw Councils pro grams to the Pike Expedition bicen Trappers and traders and soldiers died j here. tennial, with the theme "A Man to Children, horse, oxen all were in fear Match the Mountain: Zebulon Pike As they searched for water, just a pre and the Opening of the Southwest." cious drop, Site administrator Mary Honeyman While Comanche and Cheyenne has put together a fine series, and waited up top. she invites everyone to attend any or What brave souls these travelers were, all of these presentations: Either drenched in sweat or wrapped February 16 - Leo E. Oliva, "Ene under fur. PIKE'S COLUMN mies and Friends: Zebulon Mont Disease ran rampant roaring on the gomery Pike and Facundo Melga plains [This special column will continue as res in the Struggle for Control of Like the thunder of bison over man's a series in Wagon Tracks until the remains. the Great Plains, 1806-1807" From Franklin to the Plaza the traders close of the Pike Southwest Expedi March 16 - Clive Siegle, "Spies in kept coming tion Bicentennial activities in 2007. Our Midst: Zebulon Pike and the For 900 miles the death Nell kept It features documents, articles, bibli 'Infamous Conspiracy'" ography, and notes which tell the drumming. April 27 - John Murphy, "Zebulon Some survived-Becknell and Kit Car story ofPike, his expeditions, and re Pike Returns to Kansas after 200 son lated topics. Submissions are solic Years" Some met their Maker at the end of a ited for this column. gun. May 25 - Mike Olsen, "Zebulon There are five items for this issue: The screak of the carts as they twist Montgomery Pike and American the new Pike Bicentennial web site, Popular Culture or: Has Pike and roll. the schedule ofPike programs in the The war cries, the crack of wheels Peaked?" Kaw Councils series at Kaw Mission, through mud hole. August 24 - Craig Crease, "Mystery A hardy lot were these mountaineers, the Colorado Springs Pioneer Mu seum schedule of Pike programs, an Man of the Zebulon Pike Expedi The West's first adventurers, the Trail's tion: The Life and Times of Dr. pioneers. update on the Pike Plaza at Larned, Forts sprung up and sometimes pro and the twelfth installment of Pike's John Hamilton Robinson" tected, journal. Keep informed with the Pike September 21 - Mark L. Gardner, But at every term was the unex Bicentennial plans at
February 2006 Wagon Tracks 23
Published by UNM Digital Repository, 2006 23 Wagon Tracks, Vol. 20 [2006], Iss. 2, Art. 1
more information, call 719- 385-5990 story in the three bicenteimial exhib brunch will be served, along with or check the museum web site at its inside the museum. period music. Then John Murphy,
24 Wagon Tracks February 2006 https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/wagon_tracks/vol20/iss2/1 24 : Wagon Tracks. Volume 20, Issue 2 (February, 2006)
side, and Xaxales, on the same side. (as was the habit of all the Spanish prairie) which we left at the moun Sibilleta is situated on the east side horses, if by chance they throw their tain of the friar Christopher. arid is a regular square, appearing rider) when many of the dragoons 20th March, Friday.-Halted at ten like a large mud wall on the outside, and Malgares pursued him. I being o'clock, at a salt lake. Marched until the doors, windows, &c., facing the mounted on an elegant horse of Mal two o'clock, halted for the day; vege square, and is the neatest and most gares, joined in the chase, and not tation began to be discoverable on regular village I have yet seen; it is withstanding their superior horse the 17th and this day the weeds and governed by a sergeant at whose manship overtook the horse, caught grass were quite high. his bridle and stopped him, when quarters I put up. 21st March, Saturday.-Marched in both of the horses were nearly at full 11 th March, Wednesday.-Marched the morning and arrived at the passo speed. This act procured me the ap at eleven o'clock came 12 miles and del Norte at 11 o'clock, the road lead plause of the Spanish dragoons, and encamped, the troops having pre ing through a hilly and mountainous l• it is astonishing how much it oper ceeded us. Lieutenant Malgares not country. We put up at the house of ated on their good will. being well, took medicine. The vil Don Francisco Garcia who was a lage we staid at last night, being the 14th March, Saturday.-Marched at merchant and a planter; he pos ~ .' last, we now entered the wilderness ten o'clock, and halted at a moun sessed in the vicinity of the town and the road became rough, small tain, distance ten miles, this is the 20,000 sheep and 1000 cows; we were hills running into the river, making point from which the road leaves the received in a most hospitable man vallies; but the bottoms appear river for two days journey bearing ner, by Don Pedro Roderique Rey, richer than those more to the north. due south, the river taking a turn the lieutenant governor, and father 12th March, Thursday.-Marched at south west, by the river, five days to Joseph Prado, the vicar of the place. seven o'clock, and passed on the west where the roads meet. We marched This was by far the most flourishing side of the river, the mountains of at four o'clock and eight miles below, place we had been in. [Footnote omit Magdalen, the black mountains on crossed the river to the west side, ted here.] the east. Passed the encampment of two mules fell in the water, and un fortunately they carried the stores of 22d March, Sunday.-Remained at the caravan, going out with about the Passo. 15,000 sheep for the other provinces lieutenant Malgares, by which from which they bring back mer means we lost all our bread, an ele 23rd March, Monday.-Mass per chandize. This expedition consisted gant assortment of buiscuit, &c. Dis formed, leave the Passo at three of about 300 men, chiefly citizens es tance 18 miles. o'clock, to fort Elisiaira [Elizario], ac corted by an officer and 35 or 40 15th, March, Sunday.-Marched at companied by the lieutenant gover troops; they are collected at Sibilleta half past ten o'clock. Made 28 miles, nor, the Vicar and Allencaster a and separate there on their return. the route rough and stony; course S. brother of the governor. Malgares, They go out in February and return 20° W. myself and the doctor took up our quarters at the house ofcapt. , in March; a similar expedition goes 16th March, Monday.-Marched at 7 out in the autumn, during the other who was then at Chihuahua; but his o'clock, and halted at twelve. Passed lady and sister entertained us in a parts of the year no citizen travels on the east side the horse mountain, the road, the couriers excepted. At very elegant and hospitable manner. and the mountain of the dead. Came They began playing cards and con the pass of the Rio del Norte, they on a trail of appearance of 200 meet and exchange packets, when tinued until late the third day. Mal horses, supposed to be the trail of an gares who won considerably, would each return to their own province. expedition from the province of Bis Met a caravan of 50 men and proba send frequently 15 or 20 dollars from cay, against the indians. the table to the lady of the house, her bly 200 horses, loaded with goods for 17th March, Tuesday.-Marched at New-Mexico. Halted at twelve sister and others; and beg their ac ten o'clock, and at four in the after ceptance, in order that the goddess of o'clock and marched at three. Lt. noon, crossed the river to the east Malgares shewed me the place fortune, might still continue propi side; saw several fresh indian tracks, tious, in this manner he distributed where he had been in two affairs also the trail of a large party of with the Appaches; one he com 500 dollars; around this fort were a horses, supposed to be Spanish great number ofAppaches, who were manded himself, and the other was troops in pursuit of the indians. commanded by captain D'Almansa; on a treaty with the Spaniards. Marched down the river 26 miles, These people. appeared to be per • in the former there was one Span fresh sign of indians, also of a party fectly independent in their manners, iard killed and eight wounded and of horses; country mountainous on ten Appaches made prisoners, in the and were the only savages I saw in both sides of the river. the Spanish dominions, whose spirit {.- latter 52 Appaches were wounded and 17 killed; they being surprised in 18th March, Wednesday.-Marched was not humbled, whose necks were down the river 26 miles; fresh sign of the night. Malgares killed two him not bowed to the yoke of their invad indians, also a party of horses; coun self, and had two horses killed under ers. With those people Malgares was try mountainous on both sides of the him. extremely popular and I believe he river. [This is the same entry as the sought popularity with them, and all 13th, March, Friday.-Marched at day before and may be an error.] the common people, for there was no seven o'clock, saw many deer. Halted 19th March, Thursday.-Struck out man so poor or so humble, under at eleven o'clock and marched at four east about three miles and fell in whose roof he would not enter; and o'clock. This day one of our horses with the main road, (or a large flat when he walked out, I have seen him threw a you[n]g woman and ran off,
February 2006 Wagon Tracks 25
Published by UNM Digital Repository, 2006 25 Wagon Tracks, Vol. 20 [2006], Iss. 2, Art. 1
put a handful of dollars in his pocket Corazon de los Caminos give them all to the old men, women President Faye Gaines and children before he returned to HC 60, Box 27 his quarters; but to equals he was Springer NM 87747 haughty and overbearing. This con (505) 485-2473 duct he pursued through the whole
26 Wagon Tracks February 2006 https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/wagon_tracks/vol20/iss2/1 26 : Wagon Tracks. Volume 20, Issue 2 (February, 2006)
The chapter continues its project build membership and facilitate bet also be held in memory of Phil Peter of placing stone-post markers at im ter and more communication. son. portant points along the Trail. . Bent's Fort 2. Otero Jr. College "Summer Acad Quivira President Charlie Hutton emy" at Boggsville is scheduled for President Janel Cook 18300 Rd EE.5 June 8-9. It will be entitled "Along 815 S st John Rocky Ford CO 81067 the Santa Fe Trail: A Contextual Lyons KS 67554 (719) 254-7266 Overview ofthe History and Archae (620) 257-2918 The chapter met November 5 at ology of Southeastern Colorado at
February 2006 Wagon Tracks 27
Published by UNM Digital Repository, 2006 27 Wagon Tracks, Vol. 20 [2006], Iss. 2, Art. 1
• • • • Lockridge, Mulvane KS 67110 appear in May, so send information SFTAis one ofthe sponsors for the INDIVIDUAL MEMBERSHIPS for June and later to arrive by April annual Kansas Archaeology Month 20, 2006. Other events are listed in poster for 2006, which has the theme Darlene Bartel, 690 730th, Hillsboro KS 67063 articles and chapter reports. Thank "Crossroads of the Continent: Early you. Trade in Kansas." April is the special William A. Baxter, 32 South Fork Extended, Santa Fe NM 87508 Mar. 24-25, 2006: SFTA Retreat, month, and some 5,000 posters and Henry Bryan, 1800 Edison Shores Trinidad, CO. other materials will be distributed to PI, Port Huron MI 48060 schools, museums, and libraries May 6, 2006: Fort Larned Old Guard Kathleen Enriquez, 403 E 37th St, annual meeting, Fort Larned NHS, across the state. Hutchinson KS 67502 Linda Gegick, PO Box 2852, Las Ve reservations: 785-285-6911. II....-.....;N~E;.;,W~SF;..;.T;..;A..;.;M;.;;;E;;.;M;.;;;B;.;;;E.;.;.RS~...... l1 gas NM 87701 June 1, 2006: Deadline for articles Mervin J. Harlan, RR 1 Box 116, for 20th-anniversary issue of WT. • This list includes new member Madison KS 66860 June 16-18, 2006: Wah Shun Gah ships received since the last issue;· Stephanie Joret, 8410 Fountain Ave Days, Council Grove, KS. Those received after this printing #3, West Hollywood CA 90069 Richard L. Land, 5813 SW 24 St Ter Sept. 15-16, 2006: Voices of the will appear in the next issue. Ifthere Wind People Pageant, Council is an error in this information, race, Topeka KS 66614 Ron Lolordo, 4158 Cheyenne Cir, Grove, KS. please send corrections to the editor. Santa Fe NM 87507 We thank you for your support. Oct. 27-29, 2006: Santa Fe Trail Matt Mallinson, 3118 N River Rd, Rendezvous, Larned, KS. Membership rosters are available for Independence MO 64050 $5 postpaid from Last Chance Store. Clifford Mowry, 655 S 300 @ B-6, Ce Oct. 29, 2006: Dedication ofZebulon M. Pike Plaza, Larned, KS. BUSINESS MEMBERSHIPS dar City UT 84720 Earth/Ocean Exploration, 2021 Jess- Micheline Marie Oglesby, 2768 FM Sept. 27-29, 2007: SFTA sympo up St, Brighton CO 80601 876, Waxahachie TX 75167 sium, Trinidad, CO. Gregory Olsen, 4300 S Chicago, INSTITUTIONAL MEMBERSHIPS Sioux Falls SD 57103 FROM THE EDITOR Barton County Historical Society, Pat Palmer, PO Box 628, Lamar CO We welcome a new column in this PO Box 1091, Great Bend KS 81052 issue, "Scouting the Trail Online," by 67530 Robert A. Parrish, PO Box 67, Great Julie Daicoff of Lenexa, KS. Bend KS 67530 PATRON MEMBERSHIPS Vicki Roberts, PO Box 81, Kenton Please read Manager Siegle's col John Patrick Michael Murphy, 3755 OK 73946 umn, especially about plans for the Hill Dr, Colorado Springs CO David W. Eush, 13204 Grandview revamped SFTA web site. One very 80906 Rd, Grandview MO 64030 important item needs to be added, a FAMILY MEMBERSHIPS YOUTH MEMBERSHIPS master calendar to keep everyone in Bob & Sandy Gibson, 946 Hulse, Carson Donoho Bayless, 6864 Pep formed of what is happening and to McPherson KS 67640 pertree Ct, Longmont CO 80503 help prevent scheduling conflicts. Duane Johnson, 2150 14th Rd, Ster Sterling Wyatt Dietz, 201 S Carme Remember articles for the 20th ling KS 67579 lina Ave, Los Angeles CA 90049 anniversary issue next August are Charlotte & William Jones, 1620 needed by June 1 (regular features Quince Ave, Boulder CO 80304 T~R;:::A~IL:..;:C:.;.A.:.;:L::;;EN:.:.;D:;.:A:.:.;R;.:...... __ will be due July 1; some items may Pat & Charlie Lundblade, 259 Valley IL.- I Rd, Courtland KS 66939 Everyone is invited to send no- be carried over to next issue because Glenn & Marcia Shields, 95347 tices for this section; provide loca- of space limitations). Bushnell Rd, Big Rock IL 60511 tion, date, time, and activity. This is Happy Trails! .;;,S.;.te;;.v..;e__&_..;S..;,h..;,a;.,r_on__V_o_n_d_r_a_ce_k...;,_2_5_1_~aquarterly. The next issue should -Leo E. Oliva Santa Fe Trail Association ... .• NONPROFIT ORGANIZATlON r-' ...... ,J PO Box 31 Ie U.S. POSTAGE Woodston, KS 67675 v ~FT!"" PAID , PERMIT NO. 2 c. Change Service Requested WOODSTON KS 67675
•
28 Wagon Tracks February 2006
https://digitalrepository.unm.edu/wagon_tracks/vol20/iss2/1 28