The Granada-Fort Union Road stands as a testament to the dynamic westward expansion and the critical logistical challenges faced during the American frontier era. This historic military road, also known as the Granada-Fort Union Military Road, stretched approximately 200 miles from the Arkansas River in Colorado, through the vast Comanche National Grasslands, and into New Mexico, ultimately reaching the pivotal Fort Union.
Originally conceived out of necessity for improved military supply lines, this route evolved from a lesser-known path to a bustling artery for commerce and cattle drives. Its story is interwoven with military strategy, rugged entrepreneurship, and the relentless spirit of the American West.
The Strategic Genesis of a Frontier Lifeline
Following the establishment of Fort Union in New Mexico in 1851, Lieutenant Colonel Edwin Sumner, the fort’s commander, recognized the pressing need for a more efficient transportation route. The existing paths, particularly sections of the Santa Fe Trail, proved inadequate for heavy military freight and supplies. Consequently, Lieutenant John Pope was tasked with scouting a superior alternative.
Pope’s reconnaissance led to the discovery of a route that, while initially underutilized, possessed the potential to significantly enhance communication and supply chains between Colorado and New Mexico. This strategic foresight laid the groundwork for what would become the Granada-Fort Union Road.
The Route’s Role in the Great Cattle Drives
Between 1867 and 1876, the significance of this route expanded dramatically as it became an integral part of the renowned Goodnight Trail. During this period, vast herds of cattle were driven north from Texas, destined for markets and grazing lands in Colorado and beyond. The Goodnight Trail represented a monumental effort in American ranching history, and the Granada-Fort Union Road provided a crucial thoroughfare for these arduous journeys, connecting the cattle-rich south with the growing northern demand.
Bazil Metcalf’s Tollgate: A Hub of Commerce
In the early 1870s, the road received a significant upgrade through the entrepreneurial spirit of Bazil Metcalf. A man from Missouri, Metcalf blazed a new section of road through the short canyon south of Emery Gap, leading into New Mexico’s Dry Cimarron Valley. This ambitious project culminated in 1873 with the completion of the road and the establishment of a vital tollgate.
Metcalf’s enterprise was more than just a toll collection point; it became a nascent commercial hub. He opened a store and saloon near the tollgate, which was famously marked by a chain stretched between two boulders. Passage fees varied: 75¢ for a four-horse wagon, 40¢ for a two-horse team, and 35¢ for buggies. Significantly, fees were also levied on the numerous cattle driven through the canyon, destined to feed the booming mining camps and military outposts to the north.
Life at the Tollgate
Bazil operated the tollgate with his brother John, who had joined him from Missouri to assist with the ranch and the commercial venture. Life on the frontier was fraught with peril, and the Metcalf brothers endured significant challenges. The summer of 1874 saw a series of devastating Comanche and Kiowa raids in the Dry Cimarron, which tragically claimed the lives of 17 settlers. Though Bazil had another encounter with Native Americans in 1876, he managed to escape unharmed. The tollgate remained a vital commercial artery from 1873 until 1885, playing an indispensable role in the region’s economy.
The Railroad’s Influence and the Road’s Heyday
The arrival of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad in Old Granada, Colorado, in July 1873, heralded a period of immense activity for the Granada-Fort Union Military Road. With the railroad providing rapid transit to Granada, tons of freight were offloaded and transported south along this trail to Fort Union and beyond. For several crucial years, this trail served as the primary supply route for military provisions and civilian goods heading southwest into New Mexico, cementing its status as an indispensable lifeline for the burgeoning frontier.
Decline and Enduring Legacy
The golden age of the Granada-Fort Union Road was relatively brief. By 1878, the first steam engine had reached Trinidad, Colorado, and two years later, the railroad extended all the way to Santa Fe, New Mexico. This rapid advancement in rail transport rendered long-distance wagon roads, including the Granada-Fort Union Road, largely obsolete. As the railroad expanded, the trail quickly fell into disuse.
Throughout its operational history, the road was also known by various other names, including the Two Buttes Fork of the Mountain Branch and the Granada Branch of the Santa Fe Trail, highlighting its connection to the broader network of frontier routes. Today, a significant six-mile segment of this historic route is preserved within the Comanche National Grassland, allowing visitors to glimpse a tangible piece of America’s storied past.
Conclusion: A Path Through History
The Granada-Fort Union Road, though its period of intense use was fleeting, played an undeniable role in the development of the American Southwest. From facilitating military logistics for Fort Union to serving as a critical segment of the Goodnight Cattle Trail and a crucial commercial artery after the railroad’s arrival, its impact was profound. Its story is a vivid reminder of the ingenuity, perseverance, and challenges faced by those who shaped the frontier. Today, its preserved remnants offer a valuable connection to an era defined by expansion, enterprise, and the rugged beauty of the Western landscape.
