16 Facts About William Becknell

William Becknell was an American soldier, politician, and freight operator who is credited by Americans with opening the Santa Fe Trail in 1821.

William Becknell found a trail for part of the route that was wide enough for wagon trains and draft teams, making it easier for trader and emigrants along this route.

In 1822, William Becknell altered his route to Santa Fe in order to find a trail more suitable for wagon trains so that he could enable transport of more trade goods.

William Alexander Becknell was born in the Rockfish Creek area of Amherst County, Virginia to parents Micajah and Pheby Becknell.

William Becknell participated in several engagements, including the Battle of Credit Island and the defense of Fort Clemson, near St Louis.

Jane William Becknell died of unknown circumstance, possibly in childbirth, around the time of her husband's military discharge.

William Becknell supported his family by working as a ferryman on the Missouri river and by managing the Boone's Lick Salt Works.

William Becknell had bought out the Boone family interest in the salt works around 1818.

Under pressure, William Becknell left Franklin in September 1821 on an extended trading trip, including hunting and trapping for furs, as the fur trade was still lucrative.

William Becknell bought $300 worth of trade goods for his trip.

The people of Santa Fe were eager for the variety of goods which William Becknell offered from his string of pack horses.

William Becknell had to slightly alter his original route in order to accommodate the width of wagons and draft teams.

William Becknell made a third profitable trip to Santa Fe in 1824.

In 1827 William Becknell was appointed as a Justice of the Peace for Saline County, Missouri.

In 1835 William Becknell sold all his Missouri property and business interests and moved to present-day Red River County, Texas in northeast Texas.

William Becknell was elected as a member of the legislature in the newly established Republic of Texas.