SANTA FE TRAIL RUTS 1821-1872
SANTA FE TRAIL RUTS 1821-1872 Looking east, up and over the bank of the ditch, one can see the wagon ruts of the Santa Fe Trail. You will notice a difference in the color and texture of the grass in the ruts. This is characteristic of the ruts along the trail. Between Pawnee Rock and Santa Fe, New Mexico, it was customary for the wagons to travel four abreast. This allowed for quicker circling in case of attack. In the distance to the south can be seen trees lining the banks of the Arkansas River. During the early years of the trail, this was the boundary between Mexico and the United States.
US-50, Kearny County
Roadside turnout, 4 miles east of Lakin
Plaque via Kansas Historical Society, and is used with their permission. Full page