The Smoky Hill Trail was a major trail in the United States, primarily used for the transportation of goods, particularly cattle, from the 1850s to the late 1860s. Stretching approximately 615 miles, the trail ran from Atchison, Kansas to Denver, Colorado, passing through the state of Nebraska. The trail was named after the Smoky Hill River, which it followed for the majority of its path.

One of the most significant characteristics of the Smoky Hill Trail was its role in the cattle trade. Many ranchers and drovers used the trail to transport cattle from the southern United States to markets in the north and west. One notable example is the cattle drive led by Charles Goodnight, who used the trail to transport a herd of over 2,000 cattle from Texas to Denver in 1864.

The trail also played a crucial role in the settlement of Nebraska. Many travelers and settlers used the trail to access the fertile lands of the Platte River Valley, which became a major agricultural region in the state. The town of Kearney, located in south-central Nebraska, grew significantly as a result of its location on the trail, serving as a key stopping point for travelers and traders.

In addition to its role in the cattle trade and settlement of Nebraska, the Smoky Hill Trail also had significant cultural and military importance. The trail followed the route of the historic Pawnee Trail, used by the Pawnee Native American tribe to travel between their villages in Nebraska and Colorado. The trail was also used by the US military during the Indian Wars of the 1860s, with many detachments of the US Army using the trail to travel to and from forts in Nebraska and Colorado.

The Smoky Hill Trail was eventually displaced by the construction of the Kansas Pacific Railroad, which was completed in 1870. The railroad followed a similar route to the trail and offered faster and more efficient transportation, leading to a decline in the use of the trail.

Despite its decline, the Smoky Hill Trail remains an important part of the history of Nebraska and the American West. Many historical markers and landmarks have been preserved along the route of the trail, including the Fort Kearny State Recreation Area, located near Kearney, Nebraska.

The preservation efforts have also led to the creation of the Smoky Hill Trail Historic Site, located near the town of Oakley, Kansas. The site features a preserved section of the trail, as well as exhibits and artifacts related to its history.

The Smoky Hill Trail offers a glimpse into the rich and complex history of the American West, highlighting the importance of transportation and trade in the development of the region.