William Becknell – “Father of the Santa Fe Trail”
In 1822, Trader William Becknell pioneered the Santa Fe Trail as a trade route by bringing the first wagons full of goods to this previously remote area. How and why he did it is an amazing story filled with bravery, adventure and danger.Search
Author Archives: Allan Wheeler
Becknell’s Ancestors
Santa Fe Trail Association member, Marion Lowe, is overseeing the restoration of William Becknell’s gravesite. The site is located about six miles west of Clarksville Texas on the south side of Highway 82, on a corner of what is still … Continue reading
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The Life of William Becknell
website (Revised September, 2013) THE LIFE OF CAPTAIN WILLIAM BECKNELL, FOUNDER OF THE SANTA FE TRAIL – A Warrior, Trader, Explorer, Judge, Legislator, Farmer and Rancher Purpose: This paper was compiled by Allan J. Wheeler of Santa Fe, New Mexico, for the … Continue reading
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Welcome!
Welcome to my site about William Becknell, the Santa Fe Trail, and the history of the Santa Fe, New Mexico area. I give presentations about these subjects to interested groups in the guise of William Becknell. If you know of … Continue reading
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