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

Paraje De Fra Cristobal

Photographed By Bill Kirchner, July 21, 2011

1. Paraje De Fra Cristobal Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

The mountain range seen along the east bank of the Rio Grande is named after Father Cristobal de Salazar of the 1598 Juan de Oñate expedition. The northern edge of the twenty-one mile range is said to resemble the profile of the good friar. This paraje, or encampment, was a place of rest for caravans on the Camino Real as they entered or exited the Jornada del Muerto.

Erected by New Mexico Historic Preservation Division.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1598.

Location. 33° 37.282′ N, 107° 8.251′ W. Marker is near Socorro, New Mexico, in Socorro County. Marker 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.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Women of the Camino Real (here, next to this marker); Fort Craig

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Vásquez de Coronado’s 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); a different marker also named Fort Craig (approx. 7.2 miles away); In Memory of Texas Mounted Volunteers (approx. 10.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Socorro.

rear of Paraje De Fra Cristobal Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Kirchner, July 21, 2011

2. rear of Paraje De Fra Cristobal Marker

Paraje De Fra Cristobal Marker is on the left image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Kirchner, July 21, 2011

3. Paraje De Fra Cristobal Marker is on the left

Fra Cristobal Mountains image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Kirchner, July 21, 2011

4. Fra Cristobal Mountains

Credits. This page was last revised on February 11, 2020. It was originally submitted on July 27, 2011, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 712 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on July 27, 2011, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.