William Becknell, Father Of The Santa Fe Trade

LARRY M BEACHUM

Publication: Texas Western Press, 1982, El Paso

First Edition. Stiff Pictorial Wrappers. 89pp. Map. Notes. An interesting biography of the early development of the Santa Fe Trade. Becknell has been credited with being the "Father of the Santa Fe Trade," having initiated successful trading contact and the first legal commerce with New Mexico from the United States in 1821 and, the following year, opening a wagon route later known as the Santa Fe Trail between Missouri and New Mexico. This set in motion over a half century of commerce and cultural exchange between New Mexico and eastern trade centers and contributed to the acquisition of the region by the United States during the Mexican War. Fine copy.