Historical Marker
Point of Rocks
Springer, Colfax County · New Mexico
Nobody was rescued. In November 1849 William Grier's dragoons, with Carson scouting, followed the Jicarilla band down the Canadian River and charged its camp; Ann White was found dead, killed minutes before, and her daughter Virginia and the family's servant were never found. Among her things lay a cheap novel casting Carson as a rescuer, which he told the men to throw in the fire. Until the panel was replaced, between 2012 and 2018, its other face described Stephen Dorsey's log-and-stone mansion; the new board carries a map.
What the plaque says
Official Scenic Historic Marker Point of Rocks Point of Rocks was a major land- mark on the Santa Fe Trail. Lo- cated in Jicarilla Apache country, it was near here that the party of Santa Fe merchant J. W. White was attacked in 1849. Kit Carson was a member of the military par- ty organized to rescue White's wife and daughter.
Where it stands
36.30553, -104.18823 · Directions
More markers nearby
- View of the Rockies — steps away
- Old Colfax County Courthouse — 23 mi
- Springer — 23 mi
- Clifton House Site — 29 mi