History :
Trenton HistoryTrenton, first called "Trail City" because of its location on the cattle trail leading from Texas to Ogallala, was laid out by the Lincoln Land Company in 1881 when the Burlington Railroad route was extended to Denver. In 1885, through efforts of the railroad company, the present town site was selected on land originally homesteaded by Oscar Burd and Robert Bush. The town of Trenton, named after Trenton, New Jersey, was incorporated on August 11, 1887.

From 1871 to 1894 bitter rivalry occurred between Culbertson and Trenton over the location of the county seat. Three elections were held, some leading to gun fights. Several men secured an order from the district judge, drove to Culbertson, took possession of county records, and moved them to Trenton. Records maintained there until 1906 when a brick courthouse was built. It served the county until 1969 when a new courthouse was built.

In August 1923, just 50 years after the battle at Massacre Canyon, the first Pow Wow was held in Trenton with 14 Indians from the Pine Ridge Agency in attendance. A barbecue held on the second day of the Pow Wow attracted a crowd of more than 2,000 people. For many years, the Pow Wow became an annual event attracting attendees from a wide area.