Becknell and his group are not the…
November 1821 CE
Becknell's timing is near perfect.
Mexico has recently become independent of Spain, and has lifted the ban against trade with outsiders.
French colonists from St. Louis had traded with Santa Fe when both were still under Spanish rule before the Louisiana Purchase.
The Chouteau brothers of St. Louis had been given a monopoly with the Spanish for trade in Santa Fe, and this trade has contributed to the wealth of the river city.