William Becknell
About
William Becknell (1787 or 1788 – April 30, 1865) was an American soldier, politician, and freight operator who is credited by Americans with opening the Santa Fe Trail in 1821. He found a trail for part of the route that was wide enough for wagon trains and draft teams, making it easier for trader and emigrants along this route. The Santa Fe Trail became an early major transportation route through central North America that connected Franklin, Missouri with Santa Fe, New Mexico, serving both trading and emigrant parties. It served as a vital commercial highway from the 1820s until 1880, when the railroad was introduced to Santa Fe. Becknell made use of long-established trails made by Native Americans, and Spanish and French colonial explorers and traders for centuries before his trip.
Key details
| Born |
1787 Amherst County, Virginia
|
| Died |
25 April 1856 (aged 68) near Clarksville, Red River County, Texas
|
| Zodiac | |
| Tags | Add tag |
Family members
Romantic interests
Friends & associates
Scholars
Missing information for William Becknell
- missing gender
- missing nationality
- missing height
- missing hair color
- missing eye color
- missing ethnicity
- add profile photo
- add banner photo
- add photos to gallery
Similar profiles
Activity
Top contributors today
Tags
Featured contributors
Couples by country
USA · UK · Canada · Australia · France · Germany · India · China · South Korea · Japan · Spain · MexicoCouples by decade
1900s · 1910s · 1920s · 1930s · 1940s · 1950s · 1960s · 1970s · 1980s · 1990s · 2000s · 2010s · 2020s
