Corridor Management Plan |
Corridor Management Plan |
Interpretive
SitesHolly Rest Stop Site #1Colorado Welcome Center—Lamar Site
#2John Martin Reservoir Site #3Boggsville Site #4Connector Road Park Site #5Bent's old fort NHS Site #6USFS office Site #7Santa Fe Railroad Plaza Site #8HOLE-lN-THE-ROCK Site #9Thatcher Site #10Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site Site #11Hoehne Turnoff (Or Model) Site #12John Building Site #13Colorado Welcome Center—Trinidad
Site #14EXIT #18 (EL MORO EXIT) Site #15Trinidad Lake State Park Site #16INTERSTATE-25, EXIT#1 Site #17Top of Raton Pass Site #18Comanche National Grassland SitesTimpas #19Sierra Vista #20Iron Spring #21Crack Cave#22 Picketwire Overlook #23 Picket Wire Trail Head #24Trinidad Purgatoire River Walk #25Amache National Historic Site #26 Sand Creek National Historic Site #27Big Timbers Museum #28 Kit Carson Chapel at Fort Lyon #29Fort Wooten #30 
Interpretive SitesRecommendations focus on existing facilities and pullouts rather than putting funding into the construction of new pullouts. Furthermore, it recommends clustering interpretation at the sites rather than spreading it out along the length of the Byway since travelers are less likely to stop at numerous small sites than they are at one larger one. Before interpretation media is installed, the contractor must obtain letters of permission to install this media at each location. These letters will be kept on file with the Las Animas / Trinidad Economic Development Office since that office is overseeing the interpretive media portions of the grants.
Recommendations for sites, themes, and interpretive media that are contained in the following section. They communicate messages to the traveling public using different interpretive media as the communication vehicle.
Recommendations focus on existing facilities and pullouts rather than putting funding into the construction of new pullouts. Furthermore, it recommends clustering interpretation at the sites rather than spreading it out along the length of the Byway since travelers are less likely to stop at numerous small sites than they are at one larger one. Before interpretation media is installed, the contractor must obtain letters of permission to install this media at each location. These letters will be kept on file with the Las Animas / Trinidad Economic Development Office since that office is overseeing the interpretive media portions of the grants.
Since 1992 the Colorado State Historical Society's (CHS) Roadside Interpretation Program staff has been planning to replace existing historical markers across the state of Colorado. In 1997 the CHS will either install or replace interpretive signage at 27 sites. Four of those sites are along the Santa Fe Trail Scenic and Historic Byway. Some of these sites and the attendant topics were those identified in ISTEA grants as interpretive sites, thus they have been identified in two different arenas as being important. It became obvious that two organizations attempting to interpret the same cultural resources along the same stretch of roadway was unworkable without cooperative efforts. Both agree that it is the message that should drive the interpretive media, not which organization drives the first stake into the ground. For that reason, this plan is an attempt to establish a unified approach for all agencies / organizations interested in working to promote the Byway and its resources to the public. Future grant requests and development will require coordination between all participating agencies and organizations to avoid duplication.
Holly Rest Stop Site #1
Site Location:
• One half mile west of state line on U.S. Highway 50
Site Purpose:
• Rest Area
Issues To Consider:
• Colorado Historical Society currently has a large vertical interpretive
panel in place at this location.
• In 1997 it was replaced under the then current Roadside Interpretation
Program.
•We partnered with SECORT, US Division of Wildlife, and local stakeholders to put in a gateway birding kiosk at this location as well. The project is in progress.
Objectives of This Site:
The messages presented at this site will allow visitors to:
• learn that they are on a scenic byway that connects to other scenic
byways
• understand what it might have been like to cross the plains by wagon
•Introduce travelers to Birding in Colorado and the Santa Fe Trail and the Southeast Colorado Heritage Region.
Topics for Interpretation:
• Southern Colorado & Sister Byways
• traveling along the Santa Fe Trail
Exhibit Themes:
• Numerous scenic byways connect across southern Colorado from Kansas
to Utah and New Mexico.
•Crossing the plains by wagon on the Santa Fe Trail was a long and difficult
trip.
Interpretive Media Recommendations:
• 2-36" x 24" low profile wayside exhibits. Byway funding obligated for 2 gateway watchable wildlife life signs as a substitute in our 08 grant for the gateway signs planned for here. Stakeholders are working with Division of Wildlife for Birding gateway signs for this location as well as many other gateways to watchable wildlife throughout the region. Additional Byway funding will be requested for this site for a Colorado Byway Gateway sign with three panels mounted to a WPA rock style monument which highlight Colorado sister byways in the region.
Colorado Welcome
Center—Lamar Site #2Site Location:
• 32 miles from state line in Lamar, east side of U.S. Highway 50 in
downtown
Site Purpose:
• To disseminate information about Colorado to visitors coming into
the state from Kansas
Issues To Consider:
• Colorado Historical Society is planning a 4-panel kiosk for this
site under the current
Roadside Interpretation Program. Topics are: Amache, Santa Fe Trail, Later
history
and a regional map.
Objectives of This Site:
The messages presented at this site will allow visitors to:
• learn that they are on a scenic byway that connect to other scenic
byways
• understand some of the hardships of Santa Fe Trail travel
Topics for Interpretation:
• southern Colorado Byways
• travel along the Santa Fe Trail
Exhibit Themes:
• Numerous scenic byways connect across southern Colorado from Kansas
to Utah and New Mexico.
Interpretive Media Recommendations:
• 2-36" x 24" low profile wayside exhibit. Funded and in progress by the Byway.
• Low wattage radio message completed by Prowers County stakeholders in Lamar.
John Martin Reservoir Site
#3Site Location:
• South of Hasty on County Road 24; interpretation should be located
where visitors are able to see the ruts
Site Purpose:
• Dam and reservoir are a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers project for
irrigation and flood control;
• Hasty State Recreation Area's purpose is water-based recreational
activities.
Issues To Consider:
• Repeat visitation is high. The public areas are in disrepair and
show evidence of vandalism.
• There is a visitor center in the planning stages.
• NFS would like for the exhibit at the ruts meet their design format.
Objectives of This Site:
The messages presented at this site will allow visitors to:
• learn the Santa Fe Trail traversed the site and highlight watchable wildlife at the blind. 2 low profiles funded and in progress.
Topics for Interpretation:
• Santa Fe Trail commerce
• Santa Fe Trail wagon ruts that are still visible
Exhibit Themes:
• The Santa Fe Trail was used as a commerce road between 1821 and 1880.
• The historic route of the Santa Fe Trail followed what is now part
of John Martin Reservoir and Hasty State Recreation Area.
Interpretive Media Recommendations:
• 2-36" x 24" low profile wayside exhibits. Byway funded and in progress.
BOGGSVILLE
Site #4Site Location:
• Two miles south of Las Animas on State Highway 101
Site Purpose:
• To interpret the significance of the townsite and some of its famous
inhabitants in the
shaping of Colorado history
Issues To Consider:
• Interpretive media will follow recommendations in an interpretive
plan that is being developed for this site; recommendations of this plan
are to follow and implement the recommendations of the site-specific interpretive
plan. That plan is scheduled to be finished by August, 1997.
• As per the certification agreement, NFS will be able to provide substantial
assistance with interpretive planning for Boggsville.
Objectives of This Site:
The messages presented at this site will allow visitors to:
• learn the Santa Fe Trail traversed the site
• understand the significance of Boggsville in Colorado's early history
Topics for Interpretation:
• Santa Fe Trail stories
• Santa Fe Trail Scenic and Historic Byway
Exhibit Themes:
• The Santa Fe Trail was used as a commerce road between 1821 and 1880
and its travelers influenced Boggsville starting in the early 1860s.
• The Santa Fe Trail Scenic and Historic Byway provides an historic
alternative to traveling major highways through southeastern Colorado.
Interpretive Media Recommendations:
• The Byway funded 4 interpretive signs for their nature trail, a site identification sign for entrance and a podcast. Project completed in 2010.
Connector Road Park Site #5Site Location:
• North of U.S. Highway 50 across from Hadley Rest Area, adjacent to
railroad crossing
Site Purpose:
• Provide a small park
Issues To Consider:
• The interpretive media at this site will be installed before the
bridge and road are completed between Bent's Old Fort and Highway 50;
the small park and interpretive signs will be the "destination"
of visitors until the construction is complete. At the time of the writing
of this plan, there is funding for the railroad crossing.
Objectives of This Site:
The messages presented at this site will allow visitors to:
• understand about the construction project
Topics for Interpretation:
• the construction project
Exhibit Themes:
• The main factors that determined the route of the Santa Fe Trail
were the location of timber, water, food, terrain and the political boundary
between the U.S. and Mexico.
• When this project is finished visitors on U.S. Highway 50 will have
more direct access to Bent's Old Fort NHS.
Interpretive Media Recommendations:
• 1-36" x 24" low profile wayside exhibit
Bent's old fort NHS Site #6
Site Location:
• 6 miles from La Junta on Highway 194
Site Purpose:
• National Park Service (NFS) National Historic Site interpreting the
Santa Fe Trail and the role of Bent's Old Fort along the trail and in the
development of the West
Issues To Consider:
• NPS has a conceptual design for a new entrance; interpretive recommendations
should conform to that design.
Objectives of This Site:
The messages presented at this site will allow visitors to:
• learn about the fort
• learn about the Scenic Byway and historic locations along it (i.e.
Boggsville, Baca House and Santa Fe Trail Museum in Trinidad)
• learn about the Santa Fe Trail
Topics for Interpretation:
• Santa Fe Trail stories
• Santa Fe Trail Scenic and Historic Byway and historic locations along
the Trail
Exhibit Themes:
• Bent's Old Fort played a major role in bringing together American,
Mexican and Indian traders, forging important relationships between the
three races.
• This National Historic Site was the focus of trade and interaction
in the mid 1800s.
• The Santa Fe Trail Scenic and Historic Byway is a modern highway
that follows much of the Mountain Route of the historic trail and celebrates
the historic route.
• Boggsville played a role in the settlement of southeastern Colorado,
becoming Chapter 2 to Bent's Old Fort's role as Chapter 1.
Interpretive Media Recommendations:
• 2-36" x 24" low profile wayside exhibit. Bent's Old Fort has installed an interpreted trail.
• Byway funded a podcast for the site.
USFS office Site #7, #19, #20, #21, #22, #23 
Site Location:
• Office building and parking lot on 3rd Avenue and U.S. Highway 50
Site Purpose:
• Government offices and dissemination of information about the Forest
and Commanche National Grassland
Issues To Consider:
• None
Objectives of This Site:
The messages presented at this site will allow visitors to:
• learn that they are on a Colorado scenic byway that connects to other
scenic byways
• learn that wildlife is plentiful and wildlife viewing can be easy
on the Commanche National Grassland
Topics for Interpretation:
• Comanche National Grassland and other USFS sites to stop at along
the Byway
• Comanche National Grassland wildlife (to include a child's activity)
Exhibit Themes:
• The Forest Service maintains several sites of historical interest
along the Byway, including Comanche National Grassland that has both natural
and cultural resource elements.We partnered with them for signs at all of their visitor ready sites.
• Wildlife viewing is a year-round activity that can be enjoyed on
Commanche National Grassland.
Interpretive Media Recommendations:
• 6-36" x 24" low profile wayside exhibits at each of their visitor ready sites.
Santa Fe Railroad
Plaza Site #8Site Location:
• 1st Avenue and Santa Fe Avenue in La Junta (across from the Chamber
of Commerce office)
Site Purpose:
• Tourist information and a pleasant place to rest or have a picnic
Issues To Consider:
• There is an existing interpretive panel in the plaza that promotes
southeast Colorado.
• Many passengers from the train station across the highway spend all
or part of their La Junta layover in this park.
Objectives of This Site:
The messages presented at this site will allow visitors to:
• understand the importance of railroads to La Junta, past and present
Topics for Interpretation:
• La Junta History
• railroads in the area
Exhibit Themes:
• Agriculture and railroads were two of the reasons for the founding
of La Junta and both are still viable local interests.
• Railroads and agriculture went hand-in-hand in southeastern Colorado.
Interpretive Media Recommendations:
• 2-36" x 24" low profile wayside exhibits. Funding has been applied for the low profiles and visitor exhibit.
HOLE-lN-THE-ROCK Site #9Site Location:
• West of Highway 350
Site Purpose:
• Campsite for travelers along the Santa Fe Trail
Issues To Consider:
• It will become a certified site on the Santa Fe Trail.
• Ownership was recently transferred to Archeological Conservancy.
• The Conservancy will open the site only for specific days.
Objectives of This Site:
The messages presented at this site will allow visitors to:
• understand the importance of water to determining the location of
campsites along the trail
Topics for Interpretation:
• campsites on the Santa Fe Trail
• significance of Hole-in-the-Rock as a stop-over on the trail
Exhibit Themes:
• This campsite had water so it was important as a stop on the Santa
Fe Trail.
• Conflicting opinions about the site are evident from the diaries
of travelers who experienced the site in different ways.
Interpretive Media Recommendations:
• 1-36" x 24" low profile wayside exhibits
Thatcher Site #10Site Location:
• 4.6 miles north of Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site on Highway 350
Site Purpose:
• The site consists only of a pullout for parking on the west side
of the road and building foundations on the east side.
Issues To Consider:
• The area should be cleaned up before interpretive media are installed.
• Hole-in-the-Rock is under consideration by the National Park Service
as an officially sanctioned Santa Fe Trail site.
Objectives of This Site:
The messages presented at this site will allow visitors to:
• understand that the route of the trail was only a general idea and
not a specific route as are modern-day roads and pathways.
Topics for Interpretation:
• flexibility of the route of the Santa Fe Trail
• impact of railroads on the trail
Exhibit Themes:
• The Santa Fe Trail, unlike modern highways, was not confined to a
specific pathway; for instance, travelers used ridges in wet seasons, swales
in dry seasons.
Interpretive Media Recommendations:
• 2-36" x 24" low profile wayside exhibits completed by the Byway.
Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site
Site #11Site Location:
• 10 miles north of Model on Highway 350
Site Purpose:
• The main purpose for the maneuver site is for military training,
but the educational component is the thrust of the kiosk located at the
junction of the entrance road and Highway 350. Public recreation is welcome
on the maneuver site when the military is not training.
Issues To Consider:
• Interpretation at this site is subject to Department of Defense approval.
If it is not approved, the town of Model will serve for interpretive media
that would have been installed here.
• There is an existing kiosk and the new kiosk should be built identically.
Objectives of This Site:
The messages presented at this site will allow visitors to:
• learn about ranching on this land before the military bought up the
ranches for the maneuver site
• learn about the wildlife of the prairie
• learn about the types of recreation visitors can experience here:
hunting, camping, picnicking, hiking and exploration.
Topics for Interpretation:
• ranching here before Pinon Canyon Maneuver Site
• Stagecoaching period on the Santa Fe Trail
• wildlife / recreation
Exhibit Themes:
• The public is able to recreate on PCMS if they observe certain restrictions.
• Before this area was a military maneuver site, it consisted of ranch
land.
• Wildlife abounds on PCMS.
• Public recreation includes a variety of activities.
Interpretive Media Recommendations:
• 8-Minute low wattage radio message
Hoehne Turnoff (Or Model)
Site #12Site Location:
• 8 miles from the junction of Highway 160 and Highway 350
Issues To Consider:
• This site is subject to Colorado Department of Transportation approval.
If it is not deemed appropriate, the town of Model will be used for this
interpretation, instead.
• The site should be prepared for interpretive media by installing
parking barriers to indicate the location of the site. Presently it is used
as a "short cut" for turning off of and on to Highway 350.
Objectives of This Site:
The messages presented at this site will allow visitors to:
• understand the rigors of homesteading on the prairies of eastern
Colorado
• understand the rigors of ranching on the prairies of eastern Colorado
• learn about the positive and negative impacts railroads had on the
region
Topics for Interpretation:
• homesteading and ranching
• early railroads
Exhibit Themes:
• Some of the first homesteads in Las Animas County were in this area.
• Ranching was a difficult business on the eastern plains of Colorado.
• Railroads came into the area and made changes to the area that would
have long-felt results.
Interpretive Media Recommendations:
• 2- 36" x 24" low profile wayside exhibits completed with Byway funding.
•The site is need of gravel and a light for the flagpole. We are pursuing funding for making this site a safe pull off for travelers. Currently on highway 350 there are no pull offs except for this one, the highway is totally dark for as far the eye can see for the majority of this lengthy stretch of road between Trinidad and La Junta. No services are offered, no gas, etc... and cell phone service is limited. For safety of travelers it is suggested a solar light be put at this location on top of the flagpole. Additional lighting on this natural landscape along the Santa Fe Trail is not needed at this time since wildlife along this highway could be detered from their natural habitats. Comanche National Grasslands seeks to keep their portion of the Santa Fe Trail dark for the benefit of the wildlife.
John Building Site #13
Site Location:
• Historic downtown Trinidad
Site Purpose:
• The bank has offered to allow a transmitter for a low wattage radio
message to be installed on its roof.
Issues To Consider:
• Memorandum of Understanding (M.O.U.) should be developed between
the bank and the Byway Committee to use the site.
• The upkeep and updating the radio message should be solidified between
partners.
Objectives of This Site:
The messages presented at this site will allow visitors to:
• learn about upcoming local events and how to participate in them
• learn about the Byway
Topics for Interpretation:
• local events
• scenic byways
• Corazon de Trinidad National Historical District
Exhibit Themes:
• History of the Santa Fe Trail surrounds this area, a hub of activity
on the historic trail.
• There was a meeting of cultures in Trinidad due to the influence
of Santa Fe Trail trade
• There are a variety of activities and events in and around Trinidad
and visitors are encouraged to take part in them.
Interpretive Media Recommendations:
• 6 minute line-of-sight low wattage radio message which was moved to El Moro.
Colorado Welcome Center—Trinidad
Site #14
Site Location:
• Tourist information center in Trinidad at exit ISA on Interstate
25
Site Purpose:
• To disseminate information about Colorado to tourists entering Colorado
from New Mexico
Issues To Consider:
• The indoor portion of the Welcome Center is managed by the State
of Colorado, whose strict regulations about what may be disseminated at
this site preclude the idea of promoting local scenic byways through the
use of dimensional exhibits. The outdoor portion of the Welcome Center is
under the jurisdiction of the City of Trinidad, which has the final say
as to what may and may not be installed outdoors.
• The Colorado Historic Society installed a 4-panel kiosk outside the Welcome Center in 1997.These panels are badly cracked and no longer acceptable. We will be working with them to replace the panels.
Objectives of This Site:
The messages presented at this site will allow visitors to:
• learn about local scenic byways, where they go, how to get to them
and what to do and see along them
Topics for Interpretation:
• Highlights of the Santa Fe Trail Scenic Byway (to include activities
for children)
Exhibit Themes:
• The Santa Fe Trail Scenic Byways is the closest byway to Trinidad
and offer visitors access to cultural history.
Interpretive Media Recommendations:
• 1-36" x 24" low profile wayside exhibit (to be located
beside one of the sidewalks leading into the Welcome Center or mounted to
an outside wall)
EXIT 18 (EL MORO EXIT) Site
#15
Site Location:
• The 17 acre highway rest stop has been completed
Site Purpose:
• Rest area and interpretive site
Issues To Consider:
• The site is not yet in final design stages. This is an excellent
location for informing the traveling public of the opportunities in Trinidad
before they reach the town.
• The audio message at the bank should be moved here once the rest
area is finished.
Objectives of This Site:
The messages presented at this site will allow visitors to:
• Learn that there are two scenic and historic byways nearby and what
the routes of those byways are
• Realize that Trinidad is an historical town with numerous opportunities
to enjoy local history and its interpretation
Topics for Interpretation:
• Santa Fe Trail Scenic and Historic Byway (include activity for children)
• Coal mining
• Early travel along the Santa Fe Trail
• Contrast of what we take when we travel today with SFT travelers'
belongings
• Trinidad as historical site and point for local information
Exhibit Themes:
• The Santa Fe Trail Scenic and Historic Byway offers al alternate
route for travelers who will see numerous items of historical interest along
the byway.
• Coal mining was a major industry in this area starting in the 1800s.
• Travelers along the Santa Fe Trail was difficult.
• Necessities for travel have changed as our modes of transportation
have changed; compare what we take on a trip today and what SFT travelers
took with them.
• Trinidad is an historical town and offers many opportunities for
exploring the history of southeast Colorado and offers to visitors information
about Colorado and the local area.
Interpretive Media Recommendations:
• Audio message repeater (moved from First National Bank in Trinidad)
2-36" x24" low profile wayside exhibits completed by the Byway. Signs at this site about the radio broadcast are needed.
Trinidad Lake State Park Site
#16
Site Location:
• Trinidad Reservoir was built in the 1970s as the Purgatoire River
was dammed and today it supports fluctuating levels of water and, consequently,
intermittent recreational activity revolving around the water.
Site Purpose:
• To provide irrigation water, flood control and recreation
Issues To Consider:
• Due to fluctuating water levels, this is not a destination park.
The fluctuations can be addressed and when they are, park staff would like
to see an enlarged interpretive program.
• NPS and the Division of Parks are developing a low profile wayside
exhibit which will be located along the interpretive trail being constructed
at the park. It will be located where the visitor can see Raton Pass, Trinidad,
and Fisher's Peak. There is no conflict between this exhibit and any media
proposed in this plan.
• An indoor 3-dimensional, interactive exhibit has been funded through
a matching grant. This exhibit will serve as an introduction to the park's
natural and cultural resources for the general public and for school groups
that visit the park. $30,000 is available for this exhibit.
Objectives of This Site:
The messages presented at this site will allow visitors to:
• understand that this lake is near the junction of two scenic byways
(Scenic Highway of Legends on Highway 12 and Santa Fe Trail on Highway 350
and Interstate 25)
• receive an overview of the park's natural and cultural resources
Topics for Interpretation:
• Southern Colorado Byways
• Recreational activities and interpretive sites at Trinidad Lake State
Park and of Las Animas County
Exhibit Themes:
• Trinidad Lake State Park offers water-based recreation as well as
hiking and wildlife viewing activities
Interpretive Media Recommendations:
• An indoor 3-dimensional, interactive exhibit has been funded with
a matching grant.
• 1-36" x 24" low profile wayside exhibit
INTERSTATE-25, EXIT#1 Site
#17
Site Location:
• Scenic overlook pullout on east side of Interstate-25 with parking
area for approximately 10 vehicles
Site Purpose:
• To introduce visitors to the Byway, some of the sites along it and
to show a map of the two local byways
Issues To Consider:
• This interpretive site needs to be approved by CDOT.
• The Colorado Historical Society has installed a 3-panel kiosk at this
site and messages presented via radio message should be consistent with
and not overlap with the exhibit panel interpretation planned by the Byway
Committee.
Objectives of This Site:
The messages presented at this site will allow visitors to:
• obtain byway information and orientation
• understand resources on the Byway
Topics for Interpretation:
• geology of Fisher Peak
• wildlife habitat (to include activities for children)
• Santa Fe Trail Scenic and Historic Byway (include activity for children)
Exhibit Themes:
• The Santa Fe Trail Scenic and Historic Byway parallels the Mountain
Route of the Santa Fe Trail, passing by historic places that have left their
names in the history of the West.
• Fisher Peak is composed of sediments that were deposited as beaches
and shallow ocean floors; this highly erodable sedimentary rock is protected
by overlying resistant igneous rock formed from eleven lava flows that came
from small volcanic vents near La Junta.
• Habitat determines what wildlife species live where and there are
many different habitats along the Byway.
• Colorado Byways at the state borders should be promoted through a gateway exhibit.
Interpretive Media Recommendations:
• 3 36" x 24" low profile wayside exhibits. Colorado Byways interpretation should have a gateway sign for the Colorado sister byways. A nice WPA style rock monument with three panels is suggested for the Colorado Byways gateway.
Top of Raton Pass Site #18Site Location:
• The radio antenna adjacent to the abandoned rest area on top of Raton
Pass
Site Purpose:
• To broadcast information about the Santa Fe Trail Scenic and Historic
Byway, the Trinidad Welcome Center and the Scenic Highway of Legends, and
to describe the arduous trip over Raton Pass when the Santa Fe Trail was
in use as a transportation corridor.
Issues To Consider:
• Memorandum of Understanding (M.O.U.) should be developed between
the radio station and the Byway Committee to use the site.
Objectives of This Site:
The messages presented at this site will allow visitors to:
• obtain Byway information and orientation
• understand why the route of the Byway is important
• learn what is available at the Trinidad Welcome Center
Topics for Interpretation:
• overview of the Santa Fe Trail
• hardships of getting over the Pass on the Santa Fe Trail vs. modern
transportation means
• Wootton Toll Road
• information on both byways, the Welcome Center
Exhibit Themes:
• Raton Pass was a major obstacle to travelers on the Mountain Route
of the Santa Fe Trail and the difficulties of its travel led to the creation
of Trinidad as a resting, refreshing and resupply point.
• Modern-day travelers top the pass in just a few minutes, something
that took wagons days; you are entering Colorado via the New Santa Fe Trail.
• The Colorado Welcome Center in Trinidad is a major information point
on the Old Santa Fe Trail Scenic Byway.
Interpretive Media Recommendations:
• 8 minute line-of-sight low wattage radio message.
Trinidad Purgatoire Riverwalk #25Site Location:
• The trail is located along the Purgatoire River in downtown Trinidad.
Site Purpose:
•Offers a place for visitors to rest and relax along the Purgatoire River.
Issues To Consider:
•The city, Trinidad Lake State Park, and Trout Unlimited are planning a trail from the lake to connect with the current trail in town. They are planning a handicapped accessible fishing spot and will create several other fish spawning areas on the Purgatoire, and will return native trout species to the area to get the population up.
Objectives of This Site:
The messages presented at this site will allow visitors to:
•learn about the usage of the site from the trails conception to today.
•handicapped accessible fishing spot on the Purgatoire River.
Topics for Interpretation:
•A place for rest for weary travelers on the Santa Fe Trail before the arduous journey over Raton Pass.
•Wildlife on the Purgatoire
•Stephen Watts Kearneys army of the west rested here before taking Raton Pass, then Mexican territory, without a shot fired. Claiming this as American Territory.
Exhibit Themes:
•Famous events that happened on this spot on the Purgatoire River.
•Wildlife from yesterday and today.
Amache National Historic Site #26 Site Location:
•Hwy 385 near Granada.
Site Purpose:
•To educate citizens about the internment of 127,000 Japanese American's in the US.
Issues To Consider:
•The local high school and Junior College along with Santa Fe Trail Stakeholders including the Byway are planning a restoration of several of the buildings along a trail at this site.
• We received funding for six signs for this location. The project is in process.
Objectives of This Site:
The messages presented at this site will allow visitors to:
•See reconstructed buildings that the Japanese American's lived in their encampment.
•Learn how these brave Americans endured the hardships and created a city within the barbed wire confines which was more agriculturally productive than anywhere else in Colorado.
Topics for Interpretation:
•Barracks, communal gardens, mess hall, store, post office and gun towers.
Exhibit Themes:
How the people of Amache lived and thrived against un surmountable odds at the time.
Sand Creek Massacre Site #27 Site Location:
•Hwy 30, north on 287m east in 96 near Chivington. North on CR 59 to CR W between Eads and Sheridan.
Site Purpose:
•To educate citizens about the Military and the Colorado Volunteers who attached Black Kettle and his band at Sand Creek.
Issues To Consider:
Site planners have constructed a monument, trail and interpretation, and an overlook at the site in partnership with the National Park Service.
• We received funding for six signs for this location. The project is in process.
Objectives of This Site:
The messages presented at this site will allow visitors to:
•Experience the landscape of the region where the massacre that shocked the nation and brought a wave of Indian-white conflict to Colorado's high plains along the Santa Fe Trail.
Topics for Interpretation
•Native Americans of the region
•John Chivington and the Colorado Volunteers
Exhibit Themes:
•Black Kettle and the Cheyenne people of the region.
•Abundance of buffallo in the region during that time.
•Colorado Volunteers and the atrocities they committed to the Cheyenne people at Sand Creek.
Big Timbers Museum Site #28 Site Location:
•On the curve of Hwy. 50 just east of the Port of Entry. 7515 US Hwy. 50m Lamar Colorado
Site Purpose:
•To educate citizens about
Issues To Consider:
Site planners have redone the museum which houses pioneer gear and pioneer fashions. Newly added is an antique buggy museum currently under construction.
• We have applied for funding for a tripod sign exhibit featuring the new buggy museum at this location.
Objectives of This Site:
The messages presented at this site will allow visitors to:
•Learn about the wagons and buggies used on the Santa Fe Trail.
•Learn about the Big Timbers on the Santa Fe Trail.
Topics for Interpretation
•Antique buggies
•The important role Big Timbers played along the Santa Fe Trail.
Exhibit Themes:
•Transportation
•Pioneer attire
•Big Timbers
Fort Lyon Kit Carson Chapel #29Site Location:
•Located off Highway 50 East
Site Purpose:
•To educate citizens about Ft. Lyon and the part it played in Santa Fe Trail History.
Issues To Consider:
•Site planners have added a trail along this stretch of Highway, the Fort itself is currently a prison but is expected to close because of cutbacks.
• We have applied for funding for interpretive signage at the Kit Carson Chapel and are working with the Pioneer Historical Society in partnership for a biking trail through the cemetery grounds and covered picnic area with vault toilet.
Objectives of This Site:
The messages presented at this site will allow visitors to:
•Learn about Kit Carson. Fort Lyon is where he died. The chapel is made from the stone of the original Fort Lyon.
•Learn about the stockade at Fort Lyon and how it was established to protect travelers on the Santa Fe Trail.
•Provide a place for family get together and reunions at one of Colorado's most beautiful locations.
Topics for Interpretation
•Kit Carson
•Fort Lyon's critical role it played along the Santa Fe Trail.
Exhibit Themes:
•Fort Lyon of Stone
•Place of Kit Carson's death
Fort Wooten #30 Site Location:
•Located one block off Highway 350's Main Street (Santa Fe Trail) in Trinidad.
Site Purpose:
•To educate citizens about history and relics of the Santa Fe Trail Era.
Issues To Consider:
•Currently owned by Las Animas County. They are planning to sell or give it back to the vets because of cutbacks. Site planners have discussed use of the building may include veterans clinic, and will invite other non profits to use the building for offices. Additional structures on the site have great potential for a Santa Fe Trail Interpretive Center. There are may historic relics and ranging all the way to prehistoric times which must remain in the ground because there is no room in our states museums to house these treasures. A Santa Fe Trail Interpretive Center and Certified Museum are very much needed for our byway. Trinidad and Fort Wooten offers both a historical building which is being restored and modernized, and a perfect location right of a major interstate.
Objectives of This Site:
The messages presented at this site will allow visitors to:
•Learn about the trail as whole through five states
•Learn about the people, industry and commerce which built the Santa Fe Trail.
•Learn about the prehistory of the Santa Fe Trail.
Topics for Interpretation
•The many sites of interest along Colorado's Santa Fe Trail.
•The cultures and people of the Santa Fe Trail.
•Preshistoric Santa Fe Trail.
Exhibit Themes:
•Dinosaurs on the Santa Fe Trail
•Kit Carson
•Lawmen and Outlaws of the Santa Fe Trail
•Bent's Old Fort
• El Corazon de Trinidad
• Boggsville
• Amache
• Fort Lyon
•Comanche National Grasslands
•Industries and Commerce on the Santa Fe Trail
•Sand Creek Massacre
and more....