Gallup in McKinley County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Balloon Rally
Scenic Byways Trail
Photographed By Jason Voigt, October 15, 2021
1. Balloon Rally Marker
In 1880, a paymaster for the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad, David L. Gallup, established headquarters along the construction right-of-way of the southern transcontinental route. The railroad workers began "going to Gallup" to get their pay; thus a town was born and named in 1881.
In 1926 former Gallup Mayor and then New Mexico Governor A.T. Hannett laid a ruler across a New Mexico map resulting in Route 66 running from Santa Rosa directly west through Gallup, New Mexico.
And in 1981 another form of less conventional transportation would make history. The Red Rock Balloon Rally has drawn visitors to the historic Route 66 town of Gallup New Mexico for over thirty years. Each December adventure-seeking balloonists soar above the magnificent canyons where movie producers once filmed Western epics.
Imagine witnessing nearly two hundred colorful hot air balloons dance across the red rock formations, dip up and down into the canyons, and land their baskets on top of the rocks near formations known to locals as Pyramid Rock and Church Rock. According to many balloonists, Gallup's Red Rock Park is one of
this page online
Erected by Federal Highway Administration (America's Byways) and the City of Gallup.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Railroads & Streetcars • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the U.S. Route 66 series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1880.
Location. 35° 31.709′ N, 108° 44.51′ W. Marker is in Gallup, New Mexico, in McKinley County. Marker is on New Mexico Route 118 west of South 1st Street, on the right when traveling west. Marker is in front of the Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center building. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 106 US Rte 66, Gallup NM 87301, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Coal Car (a few steps from this marker); Gallup's Neon (within shouting distance of this marker); Hoist (within shouting distance of this marker); Main Street USA (within shouting distance of this marker); Gallup's Brief History (within shouting distance of this marker); Historic Buildings
Photographed By Jason Voigt, October 15, 2021
2. Balloon Rally Marker
Marker is in front of the Visitors Center/Chamber of Commerce building.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 21, 2021. It was originally submitted on October 21, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 76 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 21, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
