Santa Fe Trail & Southeast Heritage Region
Year Listed: 2007
County: Baca, Las Animas, Otero, and Huerfano Counties
Status: ALERT
Context: Multicultural
Date Constructed: Trail heavily used from 1821-1880
Significance:
The Santa Fe Trail served as the region’s first commercial highway, fueling trade and military activity during the Mexican-American War. This area of Colorado is now home to a number of Centennial Ranches, prehistoric and archaic sites, including the largest Dinosaur tracksite in the United States.
Threat When Listed:
The potential expansion of the U.S. Army’s Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site that could encompass thousands of acres in the four counties. This could include the transfer of Comanche National Grasslands and condemnation of private lands.
Since Listing:
Last Update:
February 2007