Why was William Becknell known as the ”father of the Santa Fe Trail”? A) He opened up several trading posts along the Santa Fe Trail that made the 800-mile trip easier for traders. B) He was one of the first to make the 800-mile trip from Independence, Missouri to Santa Fe. C) He negotiated a deal with Mexico for the United States to purchase the Santa Fe Trail. D) He named the Santa Fe Trail after his wife Fay.

Correct

B) He was one of the first to make the 800-mile trip from Independence, Missouri to Santa Fe.

Explanation:

Snata Fe is a trading route which was established to haul freight from Kansas City to Santa Fe, New Mexico and to trade with the Spanish.  Early in the 1820's, wagon trains were being sent over this route from the Missouri River to Santa Fe.

William Becknell was the one who used wagons instead of pack mules or horses to take trade goods over the Santa Fe Trail. Because Becknell found a good mode of transportation and a passable wagon route, he is credited as the Father of the Sante Fe Trail.

uncle sam would be tossing and turning in his grave : *)