 Logo Indicates
Certified Santa Fe National Historic Trail Sites
Sites on the National Register of Historic Places are noted (NRHP)
National Historic Landmarks are noted (NHL)
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| Santa Fe Trail Site
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Description
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| Indian Mound
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Indian Mound is approximately 5 miles southwest of Lakin, Kansas.
This is a natural landmark that was most likely used as a lookout point
by Indians and traders. The view from this mound is still impressive today. |
| Chouteau's Island
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Chouteau's Island has disappeared because of erosion
by the Arkansas River, but it was located due south of Indian Mound during
the Santa Fe Trail days. The official survey of the Trail went to this point
before crossing the Arkansas River. It was here in 1829 that the first
military escort on the Trail camped while the trader caravan proceeded to
Santa Fe. At that time, the Arkansas River was the international boundary. |
| Upper Crossing
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The Upper Crossing of the Arkansas River stretched
from about 1 mile east of present-day Lakin, Kansas to Chouteau's island.
This crossing was on the shortest route between the Arkansas and the Cimarron
Rivers. Even though there were sand hills to negotiate, there was also a
natural valley to follow for part of the distance. This crossing was used
less than the Middle Crossings but much more than the Lower Crossing.
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