Expeditions of Fowler and James to Santa Fe, 1821
Following Pike’s return from Santa Fe, interest surged for further exploration. In 1821, expeditions led by Major Jacob Fowler and General Thomas James departed towards Santa Fe after witnessing the impact of previous travelers’ accounts. Fowler’s party advanced from Fort Smith, while James’s group left St. Louis with a keel boat, trading goods with local tribes. Both parties faced significant challenges but eventually reached Santa Fe, paving the way for continued American trade in the region, culminating in further expeditions and encounters with the Comanche.