The Santa Fe Trail was a historic trade route established in the early 19th century, connecting Missouri to Santa Fe, in present-day New Mexico. It played a crucial role in the westward expansion of the United States, facilitating commerce and cultural exchange between the eastern states and the southwestern territories. The trail spanned approximately 900 miles and was primarily used from 1821 until the arrival of the railroad in the 1880s. It served as a vital link for traders, settlers, and military expeditions, contributing to the economic development of the region and the establishment of new communities along its path.