On U.S. 60 at milepost 189.6,, 1.4 miles west of Forest Road 422, on the right when traveling west.
Cutting through the southern edge of the Manzano
Mountains, this area has always been an important
trade route. The trail linked Abó and the Salinas
pueblos to the Rio Grande pueblos, fostering trade of
beans, cotton, buffalo meat and salt with . . . — — Map (db m235442) HM
On State Road 60, on the right when traveling east.
Northeast part of Plains of San Agustin, occupied some thousands of years ago by large intermontane lake, is downdropped graben bordered by uplifted volcanic masses. San Mateo and Luera Mountains and Pelona Mountains are southeast and Horse . . . — — Map (db m238891) HM
On Interstate 25 at milepost 166.4, on the right when traveling north.
The Camino Real wound its way below the black basaltic buttes of San Acacia, seen to the southeast. Named Acomilla, or Acomita (little Acoma) by the Spanish, these buttes form the walls of a narrow passage for the Rio Grande, along which hostile . . . — — Map (db m45215) HM
On State Road 304, 6.5 miles south of U.S. 60, on the right when traveling east.
Present-day La Joya is located near the site of an ancient Piro Indian Pueblo that the Spanish named Nueva Sevilla, or Sevilleta. During the eighteenth century, this was the southernmost settlement along the Camino Real before the travelers ended . . . — — Map (db m67105) HM
Dunes along this part of the Rio Grande Valley are formed by sand blown northeastward from the normally dry bed of the Rio Salado (salty river). The Rio Grande is in a deep trench between the uplifted Los Pinos Mountains to the east and the . . . — — Map (db m45219) HM
On Calle de Lemitar at Interstate 25, on the right when traveling east on Calle de Lemitar.
The Camino Real passed near here below the bluffs on the east bank of the Rio Grande. Apache raids prevented permanent Spanish settlement of this area until the early 1800s, when the village of Sabino was established on the east bank of the river . . . — — Map (db m45178) HM
Near CanAm Highway (Interstate 25 at milepost 113), 1.2 miles south of State Road 107, on the right when traveling south.
In 1582 and 1583, Antonio de Espejo and his party followed the Rio Grande north to the Bernalillo area. Espejo was trying to learn the fate of two Franciscan friars who stayed with the Pueblo Indians after the Rodriquez – Sanchez/Chamuscado . . . — — Map (db m68057) HM
Near CanAm Highway (Interstate 25 at milepost 113), 1.2 miles south of State Road 107, on the right when traveling south.
Fort Craig is on alluvial gravelly sands, derived from the mountains to the west, sloping toward Rio Grande to east. Magdalena Mountains to northwest and San Mateo Mountains to west are mainly thick piles of volcanic rocks. San Andres Mountains on . . . — — Map (db m68055) HM
Silver was discovered in Kelly around 1866 and the town site was laid out in circa 1879. Kelly boomed with silver mining and eventually zinc mining, becoming one of central New Mexico's most prosperous mining towns. At one time it boasted a . . . — — Map (db m38862) HM
On 1st Street (Route 60) at Kelly Road, on the right when traveling east on 1st Street.
Kelly prospered in the 1880s after lead and silver discoveries around 1866. But it was the discarded zinc carbonate - vital in paint manufacturing - that made Kelly boom in the early 1900s. Stores, banks, saloons, schools, and churches lined its . . . — — Map (db m238361) HM
On 1st Street (U.S. 60), on the right when traveling east. Reported permanently removed.
Magdalena is located in a mineral-rich area which became a center of silver mining in the 1860's. In 1885, a railroad was built to the smelter in Socorro, and Magdalena became an important railhead for cattle, sheep, and ore. — — Map (db m38860) HM
On First Street (U.S. 60) 0.1 miles west of State Highway 169, on the right when traveling east.
Named for Magdalena Peak, Magdalena is located in a mineral-rich area which became a center for silver and zinc mining in the 1860's. In 1884, a railroad spur was built from the smelter in Socorro, and Magdalena became an important railhead for . . . — — Map (db m238359) HM
Magdalena Mountains to the west are topped by South Baldy at 10,783 feet; Magdalena Peak at 8,152 feet. La Jencia plain to the east is bisected by Water Canyon three miles below this marker. The bench along the edge of the mountains is Magdalena . . . — — Map (db m38471) HM
The Magdalena Mountains to the west are topped by South Baldy at 10,783 feet; Magdalena Peak at 8,152 feet. La Jencia plain to the east is bisected by Water Canyon three miles below this marker. The bench along the edge of the mountains is Magdalena . . . — — Map (db m38885) HM
On U.S. 60, 24 miles west of Interstate 25, on the right when traveling west.
South across the road lies one of the west's historic "hoof highways" which was used annually from 1885 until 1971. Sheep and cattle were driven to and from the railroad at Magdalena, NM or to Springerville, AZ. The driveway was 5 to 10 miles wide . . . — — Map (db m60565) HM
Near CanAm Highway (Interstate 25 at milepost 113) south of State Road 107, on the right when traveling south.
The mountain range seen along the east bank of the Rio Grande is named after Father Cristobal de Salazar of the 1598 Juan de Onate expedition. The northern edge of the twenty-one mile range is said to resemble the profile of the good friar. This . . . — — Map (db m68056) HM
On Main Street, on the right when traveling north.
Twenty miles north of Magdalena, Riley was a small agricultural village originally named Santa Rita by its Hispanic founders in the mid-nineteenth century. By the late 1880's mining drove the town's economy and in 1890 it was granted a post office . . . — — Map (db m124672) HM
On Interstate 25, on the right when traveling south.
Traveling with the colonizing expedition of Juan de Oñate, Doña Eufemia rallied Spanish soldiers to persevere when morale broke down during their long journey on the Camino Real. Settling in present-day New Mexico, she rallied 22 women to defend the . . . — — Map (db m100056) HM
Near CanAm Highway (Interstate 25 at milepost 166), on the right when traveling south.
Winds blowing across the usually dry, sandy riverbed of Rio Salado formed dunes along this part of the Rio Grande Valley. The Rio Grande, just southwest here, follows a massive geological trench shaped millions of years ago when huge blocks of land . . . — — Map (db m67211) HM
On U.S. 380 at milepost 9.3, on the right when traveling east.
In the 1860s, a coal field east of San Antonio was occasionally mined by soldiers for heating fuel and to fire their blacksmith ovens. In 1883, the Santa Fe railroad built a bridge across the Rio Grande at San Antonio and laid track to the new coal . . . — — Map (db m45175) HM
On U.S. 380 at milepost 0.4, on the right when traveling east.
Established in the mid 1600s, the mission of San Antonio de Senecú was the last outpost on the Camino Real before the Mesilla Valley to the south. Around 1820 Hispano settlers from the north re-occupied the area after the Pueblo Revolt. Conrad . . . — — Map (db m45172) HM
On U.S. 380 at milepost 2.2, on the right when traveling east.
Established in the 1840s on the east bank of the Rio Grande, San Pedro became an important trading center along the Camino Real. The sister village of San Antonio, it was once known for its extensive vineyards and other agricultural produce. The . . . — — Map (db m45174) HM
Fort Craig, which replaced Fort Conrad located about nine miles north, was established to control Indian raids along the Jornada del Muerto. Troops from Fort Craig were defeated by Confederate forces at the Battle of Valverde, 7 miles distant, in . . . — — Map (db m24312) HM
On Old U.S. Hwy 85 (New Mexico Route 1) at New Mexico Route 178, on the right when traveling north on Old U.S. Hwy 85.
1861 – 1865
In memory of Texas Mounted Volunteers
Sibley’s Brigade C.S.A.
J.S. Sutton
Lieut. Col. 7th Regt
S.A. Lockridge
Major 5th Regt
M. Heuvel
Capt. 4th Regt
And all unknown soldiers killed in
the Battle of Val Verde . . . — — Map (db m155660) WM
On Plaza Street at Manzanares Avenue, on the right when traveling north on Plaza Street.
This building, erected about 1880, contains one of the oldest, continuously operated drugstores in New Mexico (since 1898).
Site No. 506
A Registered Cultural Property
State of New Mexico — — Map (db m235425) HM
On West Church Street east of Eaton Avenue, on the right when traveling east.
Built in 1887. Eastlake style home of prominent New Mexico politician
Site No. 297
A Registered Cultural Property State of New Mexico — — Map (db m235406) HM
On Fisher Avenue east of Frassinet Street, on the left when traveling east.
Built between 1886 and 1898 in a simplified Gothic Revival style.
Site No. 592
A Registered Cultural Property
State of New Mexico — — Map (db m235423) HM
On Mount Carmel Avenue west of Lopez Place, on the right when traveling west.
This residence, built about 1880, is a significant [illegible] of the early Mt. Carmel Avenue neighborhood.
Site No. 635
A Registered Cultural Property
State of New Mexico — — Map (db m235408) HM
Near Romero Street, on the left when traveling north.
(front): Victory Awaits You. (back): This monument honors and perpetuates the memory of the brave Texas citizen volunteers who offered their lives and fortunes in the defense of the Confederate states of America during the war for . . . — — Map (db m64055) HM WM
On Interstate 25 at milepost 114, on the right when traveling north.
Fort Craig was established in 1853 and garrisoned in 1854 with troops from Fort Conrad located about nine miles north. Named after Capt. Louis S. Craig, it was used to control Indian raids along the Jornada del Muerto. Troops from Fort Craig were . . . — — Map (db m45130) HM
On Fisher Avenue at Frassinet Street, on the right when traveling west on Fisher Avenue.
Built in 1912, this house is a good example of the hipped-roof adobe style architecture then popular in New Mexico.
A Registered Cultural Property
State of New Mexico — — Map (db m235420) HM
On Abeyta Avenue at Bernard, on the right when traveling west on Abeyta Avenue.
A Registered Cultural Property
Built circa 1870.
Original home of a
prominent territorial New
Mexico merchant and
political figure.
Site No. 153
State of New Mexico — — Map (db m196735) HM
On Plaza Street at Center Street, on the right when traveling east on Plaza Street.
This is a fragment from Jumbo, a huge steel vessel designed to contain the explosion of the first nuclear device at the Trinity Site some 35 miles southeast of here on July 16, 1945. Jumbo was 25 feet long, 12 feet in diameter, and weighed 214 tons. . . . — — Map (db m35908) HM
On Manzanares Avenue east of California Street (U.S. 60), on the right when traveling east.
Built in the 1800s, the prime example in Socorro of the Italianate commercial style.
Site No. 594
A Registered Cultural Property
State of New Mexico — — Map (db m235427) HM
Based on personal collection willed to the New Mexico School of Mines by C.T. Brown in 1928, this museum displays thousands of mineral specimens from around the world with special emphasis on minerals found in New Mexico. Highlights include . . . — — Map (db m38753) HM
On Leroy Pl at College Avenue, on the right when traveling south on Leroy Pl.
Founded in 1889 as New Mexico's School of Mines, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology offers degrees through the doctorate in a number of science and engineering disciplines. In addition to its academic functions, the institute also . . . — — Map (db m38461) HM
On Interstate 25 at milepost 114, on the right when traveling north.
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 . . . — — Map (db m45132) HM
On Manzanares Avenue west of 6th Street, on the right when traveling west.
A remodeled commercial structure of Socorro's boom period of the late 1800s.
Site No. 596
A Registered Cultural Property
State of New Mexico — — Map (db m235428) HM
On Grant Street (U.S. 60), on the right when traveling east.
The Piro Indian pueblo Teypana was visited by Juan de Oñate in 1598. The people of the village reportedly supplied corn to Oñate who bestowed the name Socorro ("aid" in Spanish) on the pueblo. In 1626, the mission of Nuestra Señora de Socorro was . . . — — Map (db m38462) HM
On Terry Avenue at School of Mines Road, on the right when traveling east on Terry Avenue.
In 1598, Juan de Oñate's Spanish colonization expedition arrived here at the Piro Indian Pueblo of Pilabo, They renamed it Socorro owning to the food and shelter provided by Pilabo's inhabitants. The pueblo and its Spanish mission were destroyed . . . — — Map (db m45177) HM
On California Street at Abeyta Avenue, on the left when traveling north on California Street.
Using the gold he had left her, the widow of Juan Nepomuceno Garcia began construction of the Garcia Opera House is 1884. It was completed three years later in 1887. It served as the main center for cultural and community events including theatrical . . . — — Map (db m45176) HM
On Interstate 25 at milepost 114, on the right when traveling north.
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 . . . — — Map (db m45129) HM
Near State Road 60, 1 mile west of Road 52, on the left when traveling west.
Commemorating
20 Years of Frontier Science
At the VLA
Pete V. Domenici
United States Senator
Dr. Rita R. Colwell
Director
National Science Foundation
Dr. Paul C. Martin
Chairman of the Board
Associated Universities, Inc. . . . — — Map (db m102671) HM
On Interstate 25 at milepost 114, on the right when traveling north.
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 . . . — — Map (db m45131) HM
On Old US Highway 85 west of Route 178, on the right when traveling east.
The Chihuahua Trail passed by the large volcanic mesa on the east
bank of the Rio Grande, marking the northern end of the Jornada
del Muerto (Journey of the Dead Man). "Contadero" means "the
counting place," or a narrow place where people and . . . — — Map (db m240554) HM
On State Road 304, 3.3 miles north of U.S. 60, on the right when traveling north.
During the late 17th century, this area had become well known to the Spanish. Called La Vega de Las Nutrias, or meadow of the beavers, it was a welcome paraje, or stopping place, for caravans on the Camino Real. Eighteenth century attempts at . . . — — Map (db m67080) HM
Restored by
US Army White Sands Missile Range
US Department of Energy
National Park Service
1984
In the front room of this humble ranch house the world's first nuclear device was assembled on 13 July 1945. The device was then taken to Trinity . . . — — Map (db m15072) HM
Trinity Site where the world's first nuclear device was exploded on July 16, 1945
Erected 1965
White Sands Missile Range
J. Frederick Thorlin
Major General U.S. Army
Commanding Trinity Site
has been designated a National . . . — — Map (db m4314) HM
The nuclear age began with the detonation of the world's first atomic bomb at the Trinity Site on July 16, 1945. J. Robert Oppenheimer, director of the Manhattan Project's Los Alamos Laboratory, stated that he suggested "Trinity, "perhaps from the . . . — — Map (db m15073) HM