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DAR rededicates Santa Fe Trail monument

Posted 6/15/21

In May 1909, the Santa Fe Trail monument, known commonly as “the rock,” in downtown New Franklin was dedicated by the Missouri Daughters of the American Revolution. That same group …

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DAR rededicates Santa Fe Trail monument

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In May 1909, the Santa Fe Trail monument, known commonly as “the rock,” in downtown New Franklin was dedicated by the Missouri Daughters of the American Revolution. That same group rededicated that historical marker recently at a wreath laying ceremony to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the Santa Fe Trail. 

The event was sponsored by the South Howard County Historical Society. DAR members from chapters across Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma attended the event.   The mayor of New Franklin, Newton Arbogast, gave the welcome and the M. Graham Clark Chapter of the SAR and the American Legion Post 273 performed the color guard and led the Pledge of Allegiance. The Howard County Chapter DAR placed the wreath to celebrate the vision of William Becknell. Tim Williams then gave an informative program about Ezekiel Williams. Refreshments were served by the Historical Society and Howard County DAR.

The monument is made of red granite and was brought in from the Ozark mountains by rail. It weighs 19,600 pounds. On the face of the monument is the bronze tablet that reads: “Captain William Becknell of Franklin, father of the Santa Fe Trail with four companions led the first organized trade expedition to Santa Fe September 1, 1821.  Franklin ‘cradle of the Santa Fe Trail: 821. This trail one of the great highways of the world from civilization to unknown marked by the Daughter’s of the American Revolution and the State of Missouri, 1909.” 

On August 4, 1821 a planning meeting was held on the farm of Ezekiel Williams, and on September 1, Becknell and his party crossed the Missouri River at Arrow Rock for the 900-mile trek through five states to trade goods which were loaded on pack animals. They returned home with a 1,500% profit, and this was the first of many trading trips that left Franklin for Santa Fe.

Historic preservation is one of the three primary goals of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution. Missouri Daughters have been marking sites, landmarks, and trails that represent a part of Missouri history since 1894.

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