Along the Santa Fe Trail in Great Bend, Kansas
A marker placed by the Daughters of the American Revolution marks the location of the Santa Fe Trail in Great Bend, Kansas.
Over the Easter weekend, we took another trip to Kansas to visit Jaylin. As is our custom, we looked for some interesting things to see while we were there. Of course, we are interested in history, so what interests us might not interest you. If not, just keep clicking.
As you may know, the Santa Fe Trail was a trade route from Missouri to New Mexico, and it was important in the westward expansion of the United States.
I am sure there are several markers all along the length of the trail, but it is still interesting to us to see one.
Explorers on the Trail
Here are two of our three explorers on the Santa Fe Trail. The other explorer was behind the camera. That would be me. Someone has to take the photos, after all.
We might have expected something a little more than just a stone marker, but that was what we found. I guess that shows just how common these markers are. Every town probably has one, so they are not considered to be all that special to those who live there. A little more information on a sign might have been helpful, but I suppose we can look up the information on our phones these days. So we have all the information that we need right at our fingertips. As long as the phone battery holds out.
The Santa Fe Trail Today
These days, covered wagons do not drive down the Santa Fe Trail. Just SUVs and minivans. And maybe a Mustang or two, but not of the wild variety. What was once an exciting path to new adventures out west is just another city street. Isn’t it interesting how what was one historical eventually becomes commonplace?
I tried to imagine what it was like back in those old days, but it was difficult to picture it when you are surrounded by all those modern buildings and paved streets. But it was still interesting to be in a place of historical significance, even if the area has changed quite a bit.
By the way, this was not our first experience with the Santa Fe Trail. We also found some Santa Fe Trail Wagon Ruts during an earlier Kansas visit. It seems like we keep crossing paths, so to speak, with the Santa Fe Trail!
Significance
Every place has some sort of historical significance. You just have to take the time to find it sometimes. And at other times, there is a big marker there to tell you about it.
Every person has significance, too. Some people’s significance might be easy to recognize. Perhaps they promote themselves well, or perhaps someone else does it for them. Other people prefer to keep their significance understated. And still others might not have even recognized their significance yet.
You are just as significant as some world-famous person. Maybe in a different way, but still significant.
And don’t forget, we are all significant to God.
“And if this is how God clothes the wild grass, which is here today and tomorrow is tossed into the fire to heat the oven, won’t he clothe you even more, you people of little faith? - Matthew 6:30
About the Photos
I once again gave these my traditional “Kansas Gold” tint. Actually, I use that on other photos besides just Kansas photos. But the golden tint always does make me think of Kansas.
Also, I processed these just a little too much, with a bit too much noise reduction. They almost did not look natural. So I went back and added in some noise. Maybe that comes from my film photography days, but I do like at least a little bit of grain in my photos.
Photo: Each photo is a single Raw exposure, processed in Raw Therapee and GIMP.
Camera: Sony Alpha A7 II
Lens: Rokinon 35mm f/1.8
Date: April 9, 2023
Location: Great Bend, Kansas
