Historical Highlights
Fort Union
Fort Union was established to protect the Santa Fe Trail. It served as the primary supply depot for all of the forts in the southwestern territory.
Mesa Prieta
Over 100,000 petroglyphs being documented on privately owned land north of Española, New Mexico managed by the Archaeological Conservancy.
Pueblo Revolt of 1680
The pueblos united to drive the Spanish out of the territory. One of the first major indigenous rebellions in North America.

Step back in time in New Mexico
Land of the Lost
Abandoned pueblos and mining towns dot the landscape. Humans have been here for at least 12,000 years. Prior to their arrival, dinosaurs roamed this region.
Churches & Missions
Santuario de Chimayo
El Santuario de Chimayó is a beautiful example of Spanish Colonial architecture. The structure is one of several historical churches on the High Road...
The Pueblo Revolt of 1680
The Pueblo Revolt of 1680 was one of the most significant events in New Mexico’s history. The revolt wasn’t successful in terms of permanently...
San José de los Jémez Mission
The Pueblo of Jémez is one of New Mexico’s 19 pueblos. Most of the 3400 tribal members reside in “Walatowa,” a Towa word meaning...
National Monuments
The Gila Cliff Dwellings
The Gila Wilderness
The Gila Cliff Dwellings is one of the most remote national monuments in the country. The site is located on the edge...
El Morro
El Morro is an oasis on the arid plains of western New Mexico. A natural water cache at the base of the mesa has...
White Sands
New Mexico is a state of fascinating landscapes. From the out of this world rock formations of Bisti/De-Na-Zin and City of Rocks, to horizons...
Ghost Towns
Mogollon, New Mexico
Founded in 1876, Mogollon was named after Don Juan Ignacio Flores Mogollon, a governor of the Spanish province of New Mexico in the 1700's....
Madrid
Not A Ghost Town Anymore
Located midway on the Turquoise Trail, the village of Madrid is often referred to as a ghost town, though the...
People
The Short Life & Legend of Billy the Kid
Hollywood westerns distill the old west into an assortment of good guys wearing white hats and bad guys wearing black hats. The reality was...
Esteban the Moor
For those miffed about the lack of diversity in Oscar nods, I have a story idea that would get the attention of the Academy....
More History
Corrales
Village of Corrales
Corrales is a tiny, agricultural community tucked between the Rio Grande’s western bank and Rio Rancho, just north of Albuquerque. The village...
Three Rivers Petroglyphs
Three Rivers Petroglyph Site
Three Rivers Petroglyph Site is a hidden gem, often overlooked by visitors traveling to White Sands and Ruidoso. It is located...
WebsitesHistory

History & Heritage
Northern Rio Grande National Heritage Area
The mission of the NRGNHA is to help sustain the communities, languages, cultures, traditions, heritage and environment of Northern New Mexico.