Historical Significance

The Daughters of the American Revolution marked the Santa Fe Trail in 1910 and a monument sits within Ripley Park, on a public road. The Santa Fe Trail came via this mountain route in the early 1820s. New Mexico was a Territory at the time and the DAR State Regent, Mary Catherine Prince was instrumental in having these monuments placed after purchasing all 23 for the sum of $700. The monuments are made of Salida, Colorado grey granite and 19 are still standing today. The celebration of the upcoming 200th Anniversary of the Santa Fe Trail, a major international trail and road, will be celebrated in 2021-2022. The monument sits in a park within the historic downtown district of Raton. The Santa Fe Trail entered the northern New Mexico area from Colorado, after having traveled over the treacherous Raton Pass, highest point of the Santa Fe Trail, with a summit of 7,834 feet above sea level. The Willow Spring Forage and Stage Station was established in 1860 and traveled through here on the Santa Fe Trail. 

 

 

Historical Designations

 

• National: National Register of Historic Places & National Historic District
• Local: City Landmark
• Other: New Mexico State Register of Cultural Properties, Raton Historical District

 

Historical Marker

 

• Marker Date: 1910
• State of Marker Organization: New Mexico
• Marker Organization: Daughters of the American Revolution
• Marker Text: 

 

Santa Fe Trail via Bent's Fort

1822-1879

Marked by the Daughters

Of the American Revolution 

and the Territory of New Mexico, 1910

 

Funding

 

In 1910, 23 monuments were funded by the Daughters of the American Revolution for  a purchase price of $700. In 1947, Dr. Margaret Long, surveyed and found 19 monuments. A compiled booklet of all the monuments dated 1993-1995 was accomplished by Mrs. Juanita Hill, New Mexico DAR State Historian. In 1994 some steps were taken to locate the monuments and do some minor repairs. The State Regents Centennial Project from 1997-1999 was to re-document the monuments. A recent survey and audit has been done from 2017-2020 to locate all the monuments, photograph them and work with communities to preserve the monuments themselves.  Made from Salida, Colorado granite to survive the weather and withstand time, New Mexico's Daughters have worked on these markers since 1910.

 

 

Physical Condition

 

• Property: Preserve

 

Tourism

 

• Open to Public
• Family Friendly
• Lodging

 

Promotional Materials Available

 

Visitor Information: www.ratonnm.gov

Calendar of Events: http://www.ratonnm.gov/Facilities/Facility/Details/Ripley-Park-19