Gallup in McKinley County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Great Gallup
Paul Newman & Steve Heil, Muralists, 2005
Photographed by Mark Parker, October 8, 2023
1. Great Gallup Marker
The Atlantic and Pacific Railroad construction crews reached mile marker 157.5 in 1881. As the rails moved west railroad crews and suppliers would go to David L. Gallup, paymaster, for their pay. They had to go to Gallup. The name stuck.
Abundant resources of coal, timber and ranching surrounding the community brought people looking for opportunities to work. Beautiful scenery brought the movie industry.
The community campaigned to get Route 66 to come through Gallup on its way from Chicago to Los Angeles. In 1927 Gallup became part of Route 66, the Mother Road. The era of tourism began.
Today all roads lead to Gallup. Population swells from 20,000 to 50,000 on weekends when everyone comes to town. Travelers still wait at railroad crossings while the freight trains pass through Gallup.
Community members who guided the development of this mural are Laura Bentz, Tommy Gasparich, Juanita Kezele, Carolyn Mulligan and Sally Noe
Reproduction rights belong to the City of Gallup.
Erected 2005.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Railroads & Streetcars • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1881.
Location. 35°
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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: Women's Multicultural Mural (within shouting distance of this marker); Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Coal Mining Era (about 400 feet away); Navajo Code Talkers' Mural (about 500 feet away); Zuni (about 500 feet away); Hoist (about 700 feet away); Gallup's Neon (about 700 feet away); Coal Car (about 700 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gallup.
Photographed by Mark Parker, October 8, 2023
2. Great Gallup Mural
The marker is at the bottom left in this view, blocked by the tree branch.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 11, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 2, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. This page has been viewed 149 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 2, 2024, by Mark Parker of Hickory, North Carolina. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
