Skimming diagonally gives you the gist of the story. William Becknell established the Santa Fe Trail in 1821. He was deeply in debt, bonded out of Debtors Prison, and facing lawsuits--the result of a financial panic.

He advertised for "up to 70" people to join him on a trading and animal-capture expedition to Santa Fe. Eventually he and four or five others (sources vary) left with pack horses carrying trade goods. The trip was very profitable and brought back what became known as Missouri Mules.