why was William Becknell known as the "father of the Santa Fe Trail"?
A. He opened up several trading posts along the Santa Fe Trail that made the 800 mile trip easier for traders.
B. He was one of the first to make the 800 mile trip from Independence, Missouri to Santa Fe.
C. He negotiated a deal with Mexico for the United States to purchase the Santa Fe Trail.
D. He named the Santa Fe Trail after his wife Fay.