Old Barlow & Sanderson Stage Station in Cimarron, New Mexico. In July of 1850, the first government-sanctioned mail delivery route was inaugurated between Independence, Missouri, and Santa Fe, New Mexico using the Cimarron Cutoff branch of the Santa Fe Trail. The monthly stage also carried passengers and baggage for a one-way summer fare of $100 for the three-and-a-half week trip. The letter rate was 3 cents. Increasing Indian troubles and irregular service led to a change in the route to the Mountain Branch over Raton Pass in 1861, stopping at Maxwell's ranch in Cimarron. Photo by Kathy Alexander.