William Becknell Politician
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About
William Becknell is a member of the following lists: United States Army officers, Texas politicians and People from Amherst County, Virginia.
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Details
| Birthday |
30th November, 1786
|
| Birthplace |
Amherst County, Virginia
|
| Died |
25th April, 1856
|
| Place of Death |
near Clarksville, Red River County, Texas
|
| Buried |
Private family plot off US 82 west of Clarksville, Texas.
|
| Occupation |
Politician
|
William Becknell (1787 or 1788 – April 30, 1865) was an American soldier, politician, and freight operator who is credited by Americans with opening the Santa Fe Trail in 1821. He 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. The Santa Fe Trail became an early major transportation route through central North America that connected Franklin, Missouri with Santa Fe, New Mexico, serving both trading and emigrant parties. It served as a vital commercial highway from the 1820s until 1880, when the railroad was introduced to Santa Fe. Becknell made use of long-established trails made by Native Americans, and Spanish and French colonial explorers and traders for centuries before his trip.
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