Comerciantes, arrieros, y peones: The Hispanos and the Santa Fe Trade - Special history study, Santa Fe National Historic Trail

Boyle SC. 1994. Comerciantes, arrieros, y peones: The Hispanos and the Santa Fe Trade - Special history study, Santa Fe National Historic Trail. Professional Papers No. 54. National Park Service, Division of History

The Santa Fe Trail has attracted the attention of scholars and lovers of adventure for over a century. Nearly all of the studies published, however, focus exclusively on the route between Missouri and Santa Fe, the activities of American traders and freighters, and the period prior to the Mexican War. This account broadens the approach and addresses some important, neglected themes. This study calls for a more systematic approach to the study of the commercial system that characterized the Santa Fe trade and its evolution through time. It extends beyond the physical stretch between Missouri and Santa Fe and freighting operations. And it details to the extent possible the involvement of major hispano families in establishing and maintaining trade along the Trail. Historical literature abounds with Anglo tales of the trip across the prairie, but there is little information on the owners; the source, nature, amount and value of the merchandise; the commission merchants who facilitated the purchase and delivery of the goods, and the credit system that allowed commerce to develop and thrive for almost 60 years.

Type
Published Report
Authors
Boyle, Susan
Date of Issue
1994
Publisher
National Park Service, Division of History
Units
HIST , SAFE
Keywords
Cultural Resources, ehistory, Santa Fe Trail

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