Imagine being a gold prospector in the 1880s on your way to Pikes Peak, Colorado, on the Smoky Hills Trail. You’re hungry. You’re tired. You’re wondering whether or not you’re really on the right path.
Then, in the distance arising from the Kansas plains, rock formations called Monument Rocks or the Chalk Pyramids appear, letting you know you’re moving in the right direction.
I knew my Jeep teardrop trailer would be absolutely layered inside and out with dust after driving 13 miles on dusty dirt roads. but what a sight when I saw monument rocks rising in the distance.
I spent some time just wandering around, snapping pictures of these unusual rock formations in the most unexpected place.
Geological History of Monument Rocks
Monument Rocks, also known as the Chalk Pyramids, are a series of large chalk formations in Gove County, Kansas. These formations rise up to 70 feet and are composed primarily of Niobrara Chalk, which dates back to the Cretaceous Period, approximately 80 million years ago. During this time, the area was covered by the Western Interior Seaway, a vast inland sea that split North America into two landmasses. The chalk is primarily composed of the skeletal remains of microscopic marine organisms, such as coccolithophores and foraminifera, which settled on the sea floor and compacted over millions of years.
Over time, the seaway receded, and the exposed chalk was subject to weathering and erosion, which sculpted the dramatic formations seen today. The rocks have unique shapes, including arches and spires, and are a significant paleontological site containing numerous fossils of ancient marine creatures.
History of the Smoky Hills Trail
The Smoky Hills Trail, also known as the Smoky Hill Trail, was a significant route for pioneers and settlers in the mid-19th century. It was established during the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush in 1859, serving as a direct route from Leavenworth and Atchison, Kansas, to the goldfields of Colorado. The trail followed the Smoky Hill River and passed through the region now known for Monument Rocks.
The trail was one of the most challenging and dangerous routes due to its lack of water sources, hostile encounters with Native American tribes, and rough terrain. Despite these hardships, it became a critical path for settlers moving westward. Stagecoaches, freight wagons, and later, the Butterfield Overland Despatch (BOD) utilized the trail. The BOD was a stage line and freighting company that operated along the trail, providing mail and passenger service.
Many travelers would be happy to see the Chalk Pyramids as they came to the Monument Station on their way to Colorado.
The Railroad Changed Everything
The advent of the railroad significantly impacted the region surrounding Monument Rocks. The Kansas Pacific Railway, later part of the Union Pacific Railroad, was constructed through Kansas in the late 1860s and early 1870s. The railroad followed a route parallel to the Smoky Hills Trail, providing a more reliable and faster means of transportation for goods and people.
The arrival of the railroad diminished the use of the Smoky Hills Trail, as settlers and freight could now travel more efficiently by train. Towns and settlements grew along the railroad, contributing to the region’s development and economic growth. The railroad also facilitated the agricultural development of the area, allowing farmers to transport their products to broader markets.
As I drove away from Monument Rocks, I found one of the last markers of the Butterfield Overland Despatch (BOD). I stopped and snapped a couple of pics of the marker and the road leading back to the Chalk Pyramids.
Today, Monument Rocks is a historical and geological landmark that attracts visitors who appreciate its natural beauty and significance. Although the formations are on private land, they are accessible to the public for viewing and exploration.
