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

The Rex Hotel

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 13, 2023

1. The Rex Hotel Marker

Inscription. [Top]
Donated to the City of Gallup
on December 16, 1986
by
C.P.S. Associates
(The Caviggia, Petranovich and Smith Families)
[Bottom]
The Rex Hotel
circa 1900
has been placed on the
National Register of Historic Places
and restored by the City of Gallup in 1987
as a police substation.
Mayor Robert H. Allan • Councilor Dan Gutierrez • Councilor George Hight • Councilor Harry Mendoza • Councilor Sharon Richards • Architect: Edward A. Preston and Associates • Contractor: Rocco-McBride Construction

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1900.

Location. 35° 31.645′ N, 108° 44.666′ W. Marker is in Gallup, New Mexico, in McKinley County. It is at the intersection of West Historic Highway 66 (State Road 118) and South 3rd Street, on the left when traveling west on West Historic Highway 66. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 300 W Historic Hwy 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: Richardson's Trading Company (within shouting

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distance of this marker); Coal Mining Era (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Navajo Code Talkers' Mural (about 500 feet away); Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial (about 500 feet away); Women's Multicultural Mural (about 800 feet away); Hoist (about 800 feet away); Gallup's Neon (about 800 feet away); Coal Car (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gallup.

Regarding The Rex Hotel. Excerpt from the National Register nomination for the Historic Resources of Downtown Gallup, which includes this building:

The 1910 Rex Hotel is architecturally significant for its Stone Commercial style and historically significant for its association with the second economic coal boom in Gallup.

Historically, The Rex is associated with the second coal boom inspired building flurry in Gallup. It is included in a group of many hotel buildings in Gallup which are important for their association with the early automobile-related tourist trade. Located on Highway 66, this hotel, like others on 66, represented downtown Gallup to many tourists
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 13, 2023

2. The Rex Hotel Marker
Originally known as the Angelus Hotel, the building has housed a brothel (reputedly), a police substation and a museum (its current use) throughout its history.
on their way through the area. Many tourists may have viewed the Rex as the most authentically "western" due to its sandstone construction and "rustic" appearance.

Also see . . .
1. Historic Resources of Downtown Gallup (PDF). National Register nomination for the collection, which includes the Rex Hotel building and was listed in 1988. (Prepared by Kate Hollander and Greg Hicks, Gregory T. Hicks and Associates, P.C.; via National Register) (Submitted on November 19, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

2. Rex Museum. What is now known as the Rex Museum located at 300 West Historic Route 66, was part of the original Gallup Townsite, surveyed and platted by Alex Bowie. (City of Gallup, NM) (Submitted on November 19, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

The Rex Museum sign image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mark Parker, October 8, 2023

3. The Rex Museum sign

Credits. This page was last revised on September 6, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 19, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 174 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 19, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. 3. submitted on August 28, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina.