an important US trade route in the 19th century. It was about 780 miles/1 255 kilometres long and went from Independence , Missouri , to Santa Fe , New Mexico . Factory products were sent along it from east to west, and furs and gold went in the opposite direction. It stopped being used for trade when the Santa Fe Railroad was opened. Since 1987 it has been the Sante Fe National Historic Trail .
See also covered wagon .