Near Socorro in Socorro County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Vásquez de Coronado’s Route

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, July 21, 2011

1. Vásquez de Coronado’s Route Marker

Inscription. In 1541 an expedition from the army of Francisco Vásquez de Coronado, New Mexico’s first explorer, marched south 80 leagues to investigate the pueblos along the lower Río Grande. The group reached that part of the infamous Jornada del Muerto, now covered by Elephant Butte Lake, where the river disappeared underground.

Erected by New Mexico Historic Preservation Division.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Exploration. In addition, it is included in the El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1541.

Location. 33° 37.264′ N, 107° 8.271′ W. Marker is near Socorro, New Mexico, in Socorro County. It is on Interstate 25 at milepost 114, on the right when traveling north. Marker is in the northbound rest area. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Socorro NM 87801, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southwest New Mexico and 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

and also the Republic of Texas.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Fort Craig (here, next to this marker); Women of the Camino Real (within shouting distance of this marker); Paraje De Fra Cristobal (within shouting distance of this marker); Espejo's Expedition (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Paraje de Fra Cristobal

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(about 600 feet away); Fort Craig Rest Area (about 600 feet away); Time & Perspective (approx. 4½ miles away); Guarding the Trail (approx. 4½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Socorro.

Rear of Vásquez de Coronado’s Route Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, July 21, 2011

2. Rear of Vásquez de Coronado’s Route Marker

Vásquez de Coronado’s Route Marker is on the right image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, July 21, 2011

3. Vásquez de Coronado’s Route Marker is on the right

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on July 27, 2011, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,218 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 27, 2011, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.