Near Valdo in Doρa Ana County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Paraje de los Brazitos
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, November 4, 2010
1. Paraje de los Brazitos Marker
Here the Camino Real between Santa Fe and El Paso passed along the eastern bank of the Rio Grande near a brazito, or small branch of the river that created a small island. At this paraje, or stopping place, American troops defeated a Mexican Army force on Christmas Day, 1846, in what was the only pitched battle of the Mexican War fought in present-day New Mexico.
Erected by New Mexico Historic Preservation Division.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, Mexican-American. In addition, it is included in the El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1846.
Location. 32° 7.097′ N, 106° 40.046′ W. Marker is near Valdo, New Mexico, in Doρa Ana County. It is at the intersection of State Road 478 and State Road 227, on the left when traveling north on State Road 478. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Vado NM 88072, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Rio Grande Valley. It is also in the American Southwest. 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, the Gadsden Purchase, and the Republic of Texas.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 13 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Butterfield Trail/Espejo's Expedition (approx. 9.2 miles away); Oρates Route / El Camino Real (approx. 9.2 miles away); Brazito Battlefield (approx. 9.2 miles away); El Paso
this page online
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, November 4, 2010
2. Rear of Paraje de los Brazitos Marker
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, November 4, 2010
3. Paraje de los Brazitos Marker
View north on highway 478.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 1, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 18, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,863 times since then and 48 times this year. Last updated on July 30, 2025, by Bill Wingate of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 18, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
