Canoncito, meaning narrow canyon, is at the entry of Apache Canyon and was the last stop on the Santa Fe Trail before westward travelers made it to their destination in Santa Fe.
Remains of an old adobe house nearby is the last station on this famous trail which was named Johnsons Ranch.
Here at Canoncito, in 1846, the Mexican governor, Manuel Armijo, failed to hold his troops against General Kearney, thus allowing the Americans to occupy New Mexico. Also, near here in 1862, the Confederate supply train lead by General Canby, was destroyed by Union forces. This led to the battle of Glorieta that was won by the Union army.
The post office operated here for a short time from 1879 to 1880.
This cache is dedicated to the pioneers and settlers buried here and possibly to a few travelers who didn't quite make it to Santa Fe. Your volunteer support as a cacher is solicited to place a "Spirit" cache at or near a cemetery of your choice.