489. Side Trip - Autograph Rock (CR)

Cold Springs Creek, a tributary of the Cimarron River, was a well-known campsite located in what became known as the Panhandle of Oklahoma. People camped here because of the nearness of water and protection from attack by the high cliffs. Numerous people carved their names on the sandstone wall of the cliffs. The signatures

came from soldiers, teamsters, gold seekers, and others

traveling on the Santa Fe Trail. Because of all the names

carved in the rock, Cold Springs Creek became known as

Autograph Rock. The name written most often was F. B.

Delgado. He owned a mule and ox train that freighted up

and down on the trail. Autograph Rock is part of the Santa

Fe National Historic Trail and is located on a ranch owned

by Dan and Carol Sharp.