Lamar Welcome Center

Visit Lamar, Colorado to experience the end of the Santa Fe Trail era.

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

109 E Beech St., Lamar, Colorado.

Significance:

Represents the end of the Santa Fe Trail era; Madonna of the Trail Statue honors women who traveled the Santa Fe Trail.

Designation:

Site interpreting the history of the Santa Fe NHT.

MANAGED BY:

Lamar Colorado Welcome Center

Amenities

1 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

Lamar, Colorado, is south of the Arkansas River and near the Santa Fe Trail. Lamar was founded in 1886, after trading on the Santa Fe Trail was diminished due to the railroad reaching Santa Fe in 1880. The town was organized by the Santa Fe Railroad as a rail head for shipping cattle. The National and the Goodnight cattle trails passed near here. Therefore, Lamar represents the end of the Santa Fe Trail era.

A Madonna of the Trail Statue stands outside the Lamar Welcome Center, one of 12 markers erected by the Daughters of the American Revolution (D.A.R.) in 1927. These statues honor the women who traveled the Santa Fe Trail. "The Madonna of the Trail" is a pioneer woman clasping her baby with her young son clinging to her skirts. The face of the mother, strong in character, beauty and gentleness, is the face of a mother who realizes her responsibilities and trusts in God. It has feeling of solidity, a monument which will stand through the ages.

Site Information

Location (109 E Beech St., Lamar, Colorado.)

Visitor center, historic museum, and Madonna of the Trail Statue.

Safety Considerations

Santa Fe National Historic Trail

Tags: santa fe national historic trail, santa fe trail, historic trail, national trails, national historic trail, place, colorado, visitor cetner, madonna of the trail, dar marker