Near Socorro in Socorro County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Women of the Camino Real
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, July 21, 2011
1. Front of Women of the Camino Real Marker
Front of Marker
In 1598 the first Spanish settlers in New Mexico traveled up the Camino Real from north-central Mexico. Of the 560 people so far identified on that expedition, at least 20 percent were women. They came on foot, on wagons or horseback, and were the first of thousands of women who suffered the arduous journey traveling back and forth, sometimes more than once, on the trail.
Rear of Marker
The legacy of these women is evident from place names, communities like Socorro, which bear their names. Some women came as heads-of-households while others followed their husbands and families. Some even came as slaves. They all played an important role in expanding and colonizing New Mexico. Women defined the culture, history and traditions of New Mexico throughout the 17th and 18th centuries.
Erected by New Mexico Historic Preservation Division.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers • Women. In addition, it is included in the El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, and the New Mexico Womens Historic Marker Initiative series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1598.
Location. 33° 37.28′ N, 107°
this page online
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: Paraje De Fra Cristobal (here, next to this marker); Fort Craig (within shouting distance of this marker); Vαsquez de Coronados Route (within shouting distance of this marker); Paraje de Fra Cristobal (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Espejo's Expedition (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.
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, July 21, 2011
2. Rear of Women of the Camino Real Marker
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, July 21, 2011
3. Women of the Camino Real 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 918 times since then and 19 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.
