With the vicissitudes of Old Louisiana it is not our province to deal in detail at this time. It was the intention of La Salle to remove it from the influence of Canada and all the reactionary tendencies of the Jesuits. He designed to come into it by the way … Read more

The most important military expedition to pass over the Santa Fe Trail was Doniphan’s Expedition. To Santa Fe it was commanded by General S. W. Kearny, who went on to California. Colonel Alexander W. Doniphan was left in command of the expedition. This whole military movement is known in history … Read more

The Kansas State Historical Society had worked out the course of the Trail through the different counties of Kansas, and identified it with geography of 1928, as follows: Johnson County The different Missouri River branches of the trail, whether from old Franklin, Fort Osage, (Sibley), Independence, Westport, or Kansas City, … Read more

Captain Jedediah Strong Smith was one of the most remarkable men who ever traversed the mountains and plains of the West in the pioneer days. He was born in New York near the Seneca Indian Reservation. He was given a good education, but he had as playmates the Seneca Indian … Read more

The conquest of the continent of North America by the Spaniards was for the most part conducted from Cuba. The expedition of Cortez to conquer Mexico sailed from Havana. In 1520 Lucas Vasquez de Ayllon was granted a royal license to explore the coasts of Florida. In pursuance of this … Read more

To secret and personal services in the Mexican War under special engagement with President Polk, commencing from the 18th of June, 1846, when I left Washington City in the employment of the Government until I got back in February, 1849, being two years and eight months of time and extending … Read more

In America, the war between Great Britain and France was known as the “French and Indian War.” It was decided by the victory of Wolf on the plains of Abraham in 1759. Montreal fell, in 1760, and the campaign that year convinced France that she was defeated in America. On … Read more

The first successful venture to Santa Fe over the Santa Fe Trail was made by Captain William Becknell. With him, according to Gregg, were “four trusty companions.” They left Arrow Rock, on the Missouri, near Franklin, but in Saline County, September 1, 1821. On the 13th of November they met … Read more

In 1849, Captain Howard Stansbury was sent out to make an exploration and survey of the Great Salt Lake. The initial point of his expedition was Fort Leavenworth. He left the fort on the 31st of May, 1849, with eighteen men, five wagons, and forty-six horses and mules. A Mr. … Read more

The town of Franklin, in Howard County, Missouri, was opposite the present City of Boonville. In 1828, the entire site of the town was washed into the Missouri River. It was the cradle of the Santa Fe trade, and for some years it was the eastern terminus of the Santa … Read more