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William Becknell & The Opening of the Santa Fe Trail in 1822

by | Jul 25, 2016 | True West Blog

The Mexican Revolution ended in 1821 and brought about many changes in foreign policy. Up to then Spain didn’t allow her colonies to trade with the U.S.. American traders venturing into Santa Fe were thrown in jail. Both sides needed something the other possessed. Santa Fe, located far from Mexico City, desperately needed manufactured goods while the Americans needed hard currency and Mexico had an abundance of silver. When Mexican soldiers encountered Indian trader William Becknell near the A


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