Event revives memory of Santa Fe Trail

RATON, N.M. (KRQE) - Hundreds of history buffs tossed aside the conveniences of modern civilization for a 19th century flashback in the annual Santa Fe Trail Rendezvous.

In the early 1800s, each year trappers came out of the mountains and gathered to sell their furs, get supplies and socialize.

For over 30 years, the Santa Fe Trail Rendezvous Association has kept the tradition alive with the annual reenactment near Raton.

"It's a love of history. It's the love of creating a 'living history'. It's the things you don't read about in the history books," participant Gary Allen said.

For eight days, participants dress in authentic clothing, and use only frontier tools and shelters.

"I loved boy scouts and this is kinda like boy scouts on steroids when you do this thing, it's really neat," participant Mike Oldham said.

"It gives me an appreciation for nature. You're out here in the woods with all the animals and you can destroy it, but we always tell everybody you don't leave anything here but your tracks when you're gone," participant "Red Bear" said.

Shooting old black powder guns is a favorite part of Rendezvous for participant Maud Percival.

In fact, even with the old fashioned ammunition, some of the ladies regularly outshoot the men.

There's also archery with primitive bows and lost of tomahawk throwing.

"It's really relaxing. You really can't be mad and throw knives and tomahawks. You know it just doesn't work," "Spoon" said.

Of course, there are gobs of traders offering supplies and any other 19th century gadget the well equipped mountain trekker might need.

As the Sun sets on Rendezvous, there are only oil lamps, candles and, of course, campfires.

While a few modern songs slip into the starry sing-along, the modern world is still far from the trail.

The Santa Fe Trail in northeastern New Mexico is still quite visible. The ruts from thousands of wagons are still etched into the landscape.

More information on the Santa Fe Trail Rendezvous is available on this Web site.