Wagon Bed Spring along the Santa Fe Trail

Wagon Bed Spring - Page 2

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Later, in September, 1846, more than 500 men and officers of the Mormon Battalion camped at Lower Cimarron Springs. The soldiers, who were members of the Church of Latter Day Saints, had volunteered to fight in the Mexican-American War and pledge their army pay to help finance the establishment of the church in Utah. The vast majority of the soldiers had marched on foot all the way from Fort Leavenworth, Kansas to Santa Fe, New Mexico, before making their way to California. A private of the Battalion named Henry Standage, would later write about this part of the journey, stating: "We traveled this day across one of the most dreary deserts that ever man saw, suffering much from the intense heat of the sun and for want of water."

Mormon Battalion

Some years later, a group of traders arrived at the spring to find it inhabited by a band of Arapaho warriors. The travelers were surprised to find that the Indians welcomed them to their camp, which was littered with the dead bodies of other Indians. The traders would relate the tale the Arapaho had shared with them. Ten days earlier, the Arapaho had battled with the Pawnee tribe at the spring, killing more than 70 warriors. They insisted that the traders camp with them on the battle ground to help celebrate the victory.

But, the Plains tribes were not usually so friendly. 1864 marked the bloodiest year for Indian attacks along the Santa Fe Trail. Within a two week period, some 15 men were killed near the spring. As a result, General James H. Carleton, Commander of the Department of New Mexico, sent troops to several locations that summer, stationing Major Joseph Updegraff and 100 men at the Spring with rations for sixty days. Years later, thousands of lead balls and empty cartridges were found at or near the spring, testifying to the soldiers’ presence, as well as traders and buffalo hunters who reportedly headquartered at the Spring.

Late in the history of the Santa Fe Trail, a wagon box was set into the ground to allow fresh, clear water to bubble up through the bottom of the wagon, filtering out the sand and soil. Afterwards, the site was known as Wagon Bed Spring.

After travel along the trail had ceased and irrigation began in the area, the spring went dry. Today, its exact location is uncertain and little remains of the once famous camping place. However, remnants of wheel ruts of the old trail can still be seen nearby.

The site was first “officially” recognized by the Daughters of the American Revolution in 1906 when a marker was established. In 1961, Wagon Bed Spring was designated as a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service. Later, the Wagon Bed Spring Chapter of the Santa Fe Trail Association established a display near what is thought to have been the original Lower Springs location.

Wagon Bed Spring is located on the north bank of the Cimarron River about 11 ½ miles south of Ulysses, Kansas. The springs are about ½ mile west of U.S. Highway 25. In this vicinity, also stood the old townsite of Zionville.

The old trail to Wagon Bed Spring, Kathy Weiser, September, 2008.

Indian ghost If Wagon Bed Spring's long history is not enough to thrill a visitor, the spring, along the old Santa Fe Trail, is also said to be the site of an old Indian legend. The story tells of the ghost of a Comanche warrior that will allegedly lead visitors to the site of hidden gold. However, like many ghostly legends, it has a caveat – the warrior will only appear at midnight on an evening with a full moon. Some versions also say that the visitor must also be alone for the Comanche to appear. One report tells of a visitor who made the trip at midnight with a full moon alone. However, when the Indian failed to appear, he returned to his pick-up truck disgusted. However, as he began to leave, he looked in his rearview mirror and was amazed to see a warrior leaping from a horse into the bed of his pickup. But, when he turned around, nothing was there.

Believe it or not.

Also See:

Grant County History and Information

Santa Fe Trail Thru Kansas

Ulysses - Born Twice and Still Kickin!

An old wagon at the spring site, Kathy Weiser, May, 2010.

A broken down wagon at the site of Wagon Bed Spring. Utilizing a wagon was how the spring got it's name; however, the wagon used at the time was larger. This replica is a freight wagon. , Kathy Weiser, May, 2010.

Wagon Bed Spring in Grant County, Kansas, Kathy Weiser,

September, 2008.

The site of the spring was on the old Joyce homestead (left middle of the picture.) The land remains in the Joyce family. Kathy Weiser, May, 2010.

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