Americans learned that trade with the Spanish Southwest might be profitable as they studied Zebulon Pike’s “Journal of the Western Expedition”, which was published in 1810. Many Americans tried to start trade with Mexico, but most had been unsuccessful as Spain still ruled over Mexico. Trade on the Santa Fe Trail from Independence, Missouri to Santa Fe began in 1821 when William Becknell of Franklin, Mo. first set out with trade goods for the people of Northern Mexico, present-day New Mexico. He met a troop of Mexican soldiers and learned that Mexico had gained its independence. He was welcome to trade!! Many followed after him down the 800 mile Trail of Commerce and Conquest that had two main branches. The Cimarron Cutoff ran southwest from the Dodge City/Cimarron area through dry country. It saved traders 10 days and eventually carried 75% of the trade. However, there was little water and much Indian danger. The Mountain Branch came west passing through the area of present-day Kearny County (in Kansas). It was longer and caused problems for wagons moving over Raton Pass. However, there was more water and less Indian problems. The Army of the West marched down the Mountain Branch to Mexico in 1846 and took over Santa Fe. For some 60 years, traders, freighters, soldiers, buffalo hunters, gold seekers and others followed in Becknell’s footsteps along this first highway of United States westward expansion. The Santa Fe Trail Two Hundredth Timeline was created by many, many history-minded people to commemorate this National Historic Trail. Stop by to see the Timeline exhibit at the Stevens County Library Monday February 14 thru Friday February 18 from 9:00a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Several items on display are on loan from the Stevens County Gas and Historical Museum and local citizens.