The actual route of the Santa Fe Historic Trail doesn't always follow along current roads, but interesting and historic points along the trail are highlighted here and include nearby lodging. The Santa Fe Trail began in 1821 when Mexico gained independence from Spain and established a trade route from their northern town of Santa Fe (now the U.S. city of Santa Fe, New Mexico) with the United States, at Franklin, Missouri. The Trail was 900 miles and took 2 1/2 months to travel (later shortened by 100 miles and 2 weeks with the Cimarron Cutoff). This commercial supply road saw its heaviest use during the 1820's to 1860's. Several military forts were established along the trail for protection. Wagon ruts can actually be discerned along certain parts of the trail. The completion of a railroad to Santa Fe in 1880 brought the demise of the Santa Fe Trail.