In 1821, William Becknell, along with four companions, traveled from Franklin, Missouri, to Santa Fe, Mexico (New Mexico), intent on . The group followed a well-worn Indian trail, that led right through the heart of what is now Morris County and Council Grove.
When Becknell arrived at Santa Fe, he found that Mexico, which had recently declared her independence from Spain, was hungry for trade goods from the north. He was in the right place at the right time. Selling his merchandise, such as calico and cotton cloth for $3 a yard, Becknell was able to turn a tidy profit of 1500 percent. The Santa Fe Trail was born. It became a trail of commerce, and one of the richest trade routes of our nation.
Council Grove became the "Jumping Off Point" of the Santa Fe Trail. It was here you where you would have your last chance to stock up on supples, and also timber for wagon repairs, before setting off across the prairie. 150 miles from Independence, Missouri, sitting in a grove of hardwood trees by the banks of the Neosho River, Council Grove was the perfect location where early arrivals could wait to meet others to travel with to Santa Fe. By 1831, Council Grove had become a rendezous point; where time was spent resting and grazing animals.
http://www.kansasgenealogy.com/history/captain_william_becknell.htm
http://www.santafetrail.org/the-trail/history/timeline/