Where Trails of the Past Meet the Roads of Today

Trail Segments in Western Kansas

Historic routes that shaped the American West.

Powder Mill Bridge & Greater KC Area

162 trail markers placed since the 1990s.

Welcome

Since the 1990s, we have located and marked historic trails in the Greater Kansas City Area, placing 162 historic trail markers and interpretive exhibits. Routes include the Santa Fe, Oregon, California Trails and the Fort Leavenworth to Fort Scott Military Road.

New Historic Frontier Trails Map

Now available for purchase for $15.00

Purchase the Map

Become a Member of KCAHTA

Support the preservation of historic trails and receive the new map + logo lapel pin!

Join KCAHTA Today

Education and Preservation of The Trails
Our goal is to educate the public to the historical significance of the trails as they traversed through the Greater Kansas City area. The country was developed on this basic form of transportation. Each trail with its own importance; Santa Fe Trail was a trail of commerce. Oregon Trail was a route of emigrants to discover new territory. California Trail went west to find “gold”. Lewis and Clark to find a primary water route that would link the east to the west.

Historic Frontier Trails Map of Greater Kansas City

Purchase A Map

NEW HISTORIC FRONTIER MAP TO BE AVAILABLE SOON

Kansas City Area Historic Trails Association offers a Map of the trail marking locations in and around Johnson County Kansas and the Greater Kansas City area. There are 2 options to receive one!

1) If you would like one of our 1st printed maps, simply send a check for $8.00 ($5.00 for the map + $3.00 shipping and handling) along with a note indicating that you would like a map to our address below. Or one can be sent to you by clicking on the "Purchase A Map" button above. Once we have your mailing information and payment, your map and brochure they will be sent to you.

**New Historic Frontier Map will be available for $15.00**

2) The brochure offers you the chance to Become a KCAHTA member for an amazing $15.00 per year; or you may chose from other membership levels as well. Along with your paid membership into KCAHTA you will receive the map for "FREE" and one of our newly designed logo lapel pins!

Doesn't matter if you live near or far from Kansas City if you are interested in becoming a member or to learn more about the trails this is a great way to do it!

KCAHTA

5400 Johnson Dr. Ste #275

Mission, KS 66205-2911

Mission/Purpose Statement:

The KANSAS CITY AREA HISTORIC TRAILS ASSOCIATION is organized to work individually or in cooperation with other groups or individuals to promote public awareness of the historic trails in the area and to initiate and coordinate activities to preserve and protect the historic routes, sites and trail remains through research, identification, mapping, marking, interpretation and education. It shall be the purpose of the association to be exclusively charitable and educational within the meaning of Section 501(c)3 of the Internal Revenue Code.

NATIONAL HISTORIC TRAILS PROTECTION STATEMENT

The following statement has been created and adopted by the Kansas City Area Historic Trails Association to reflect the basis of its position and policy on the protection and preservation of the Nation’s National Historic Trails, and other recognized historic frontier trails:

Our National Historic Trails, as part of the National Trails System, was created by Congress through the National Trails System Act in 1968, as amended in 1978, to include what is now nineteen (19) significant overland and water routes that represent America's westward expansion movement and historical heritage.

These are trails of exploration, trade, commerce, and pioneer settlement. All historic trails are fragile, subject to threats by nature’s elements, impacts from commercial and residential development, and vandalism. Our historic trails are national treasures, found on both public and private lands.Reflecting America’s heritage, they deserve vigilant protection.

The Kansas City Area Historic Trails Association does not endorse nor condone any action which disturbs, causes damage to, or harms the condition of any portion, or resources, of any trail within our National Historic Trails system, or other recognized historic frontier trails.

The Kansas City Area Historic Trails Association endorses and approves of authorized scientifically conducted archaeology to study human history and prehistory through the excavation of sites and the analysis of artifacts and non-human physical remains, in relation to the conservation of resources of any trail within our National Historic Trails system, or along other historic frontier trails.

Such archaeology shall be for scientific research, allowing for further understanding of the historic context of our Nation’s frontier trails, the western expansion movement of our Nation, and examining the lives of the native peoples and pioneers through objects they made, possessed and left behind. Authorization for approved, scientifically conducted archaeology should be made through the National Park Service, the offices of the various National Trails Associations, or other area trail preservation interest groups. Said archaeology shall conform to applicable laws, regulations, and professional archeological standards, guidelines, and practices.

Gary L. Hicks, President

Kansas City Area Historic Trails Association

(Initially adopted 13October2014)(revFinal v6_1Aug , 2016 _ includes ref. to Archaeology)

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