Kozlowski's Stage Stop & Trading Post

By the 1800s, the scene was quite different. By now, the American Revolution had occurred, establishing a new nation. This new nation sought out opportunities to explore the countryside from sea to shining sea. The ideal of Manifest Destiny had been born and with it the idea of searching for new opportunities for commerce and trade.  

After the Santa Fe Trail opened, some trail users sought out new opportunities. One of those people, Martin Kozlowski, was doing just that when he bought the stagecoach stop and trading post in 1858. It was here that Martin worked to help weary travelers along the way by providing them with a warm place to stay as well as a hot meal cooked by his wife Ellena.  

Kozlowski's Trading Post is a stop along Highway 63 just south of the main park entrance. Look for the exhibits in the parking lot. They focus on how the geography of the area affected trade and commerce pathways through time. The exhibits also show where more Santa Fe Trail sites are to the east and west of Pecos. If you have any questions or are interested in tours of trail-related sites, talk with staff at the visitor center or call the park at 505-757-7241.