Near Santa Fe in Santa Fe County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Gold and Turquoise
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, July 22, 2011
1. Gold and Turquoise Marker
First gold placer mining west of the Mississippi began with the discovery of the precious metal in the rugged Ortiz Mountains south of here in 1828, 21 years before the California gold rush. Since then, the district has produced more than 99,000 ounces of placer gold and gold is currently produced from lode deposits.
The prominent hills to the east and to the left are the Cerrillos Hills, site of ancient turquoise mines worked by the Indians centuries before the arrival of the Spanish. The Cerrillos (“little hills”) are regarded as the oldest mining district in the United States, and New Mexico is a major turquoise producer. Elevation 6,200 feet.
Erected by New Mexico Historic Preservation Division.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Native Americans. A significant historical year for this entry is 1828.
Location. 35° 31.639′ N, 106° 9.396′ W. Marker is near Santa Fe, New Mexico, in Santa Fe County. Marker can be reached from Interstate 25 at milepost 269,, 1½ miles east of Waldo Canyon Road (County Road 57). The marker is located at the La Bajada Welcome Center in the northbound rest area. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Santa Fe NM 87508, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker,
this page online
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, July 22, 2011
2. Gold and Turquoise Marker Reverse
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, July 22, 2011
3. Gold and Turquoise Marker
The prominent hills to the east are the Cerrillos Hills.
December 15, 2023
4. Gold and Turquoise Marker at the La Bajada Rest Area
Photographed By Richard Denney, October 16, 2013
5. Mount Chalchihuitl
Mount Chalchihuitl (peak in foreground) outside Cerrillos, New Mexico, site of ancient turquoise mines.
Photographed By Richard Denney, October 16, 2013
6. Turquoise Mine
One of several ancient turquoise mines atop Mount Chalchihuitl, outside Cerrillos, New Mexico.
Photographed By Richard Denney, October 16, 2013
7. Streaks of Turquoise
Streaks of turquoise in rocks atop Mount Chalchihuitl
Credits. This page was last revised on December 25, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 3, 2011, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 820 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 3, 2011, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 4. submitted on December 22, 2023. 5, 6, 7. submitted on March 12, 2015, by Richard Denney of Austin, Texas. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
