Gallup in McKinley County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Balloon Rally

Scenic Byways Trail

Photographed by Adam Margolis, May 26, 2024

1. Balloon Rally Marker

Inscription. 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 the world's most beautiful places to fly. Balloons glow in the sunlight framed by the majesty of the red rocks led by Red Rock Balloon Rally's own Koshare "special shape balloon." These sights make

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getting up early on a frosty December morning very well worth it.

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. It 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 U.S Rte 66, Gallup NM 87301, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in New Mexico’s San Juan Basin.

It is also in the American Southwest,

in Colorado Plateau,

and at the Four Corners.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain.

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 (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Kitchen's Opera House (about 300 feet away); Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gallup.

Photographed by Jason Voigt, October 15, 2021

2. Balloon Rally Marker

Photographed by Jason Voigt, October 15, 2021

3. Balloon Rally Marker

Marker is in front of the Visitors Center/Chamber of Commerce building.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 29, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 21, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 289 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 27, 2024, by Adam Margolis of Mission Viejo, California. 2, 3. submitted on October 21, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.