6-18-2019
A postal clerk once told me that I needed to pay
international postage to mail a letter to New Mexico.
She was surprised, as many people are, to learn that it
gained statehood in 1912, has a documented history that
spans thousands of years and is literally a microcosm of
southwestern history. It benefits from the unique
characteristic of featuring tangible sites and offering
immersive activities that bring the history, arts and
events to life in fresh and exciting ways.
www.newmexico.org
Gallup, New Mexico is the perfect place to begin your
explorations because it has been at the heart of the
culture, even prior to European contact. Of the
approximate 22,500 population 54% are Native American
and the blending of cultures, religions and ethnicities
has resulted in a tolerant and welcoming atmosphere. The
city is LGBTQ friendly and is the home of the University
of New Mexico’s LGBTQ Resource Center.
Gallup is recognized as the “Native American Capitol of
the World” and the “Gateway to the Native American
Experience”. It is surrounded by the Navajo Nation, the
size of West Virginia and close to the Zuni Pueblo and
Hopi Reservation. The 662.4-mile Trail of the Ancients
Scenic Byway, known to be in use in 850 AD, runs through
Gallup and takes visitors to ancient ruins, sacred sites
and unique landscapes that served as western movie sets.
Chaco Cultural National Historic Park, a 1987 UNESCO
World Heritage site, is a mere 2-hour drive. This
ancient pueblo functioned as a ceremonial center
for 400-years. Other significant pre-Columbian ruins are
even closer.
Zuni Pueblo (Hawikuh), 37-miles from Gallup, is believed
to have been one of the Seven Cities of Gold sought by
the Spanish. It was here that Estevanico, a “negro” man
and the first nonnative to reach Arizona and New Mexico
was killed as a spy by the Zuni in May 1539. Of the 19
New Mexican Pueblos Zuni is the largest. A variety of
tours of are offered. zunitourism.com
In 1880 David Gallup established a pay station, near a
stage stop, for the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad
workers in the area. Workers were “going to Gallup” to
collect their earnings and in 1881 the town was founded
and named after Gallup. More than 100 freight and
passenger trains continue to pass through daily.
The Gallup Cultural Center is situated on the 2nd-floor
of the Santa Fe Depot. The station was revamped to look
like the 1918 El Navajo Hotel, once a nearby Harvey
Hotel. Displays in the museum showcase Native American
art, artifacts, kachinas and provide a comprehensive
overview of regional history. A gallery is devoted to
WWII’s Navajo Code Talkers and a 10-ft. sculpture of a
code talker at the entrance depicts him in action. This
is the station from which the first 29 men departed for
service. There is a gift shop and café.
Coal was discovered in 1885 and the town grew rapidly. A
series of ghost towns, once coal mining camps within a
10-mile radius, dot the area around the city as a
result of the end of the coal era. The Rex Museum, a
former brothel, interprets the history of the area
mining and coal industries.
Route 66 was commissioned in 1926 and rapidly became
America’s “Mother Road”. It is the spine of Gallup and
new constructions and glimpses of historic attractions
continue to lure travelers. The Rico Auto Complex was
established in the 1920s and, in addition to being a
functioning dealership, items on display relate the
history of Route 66. Handmade, antique, rugs are
displayed and a buggy that once belonged to the
President of the Navajo Nation are featured in the
showroom.
Comfort Suites, the 2018 New Mexico Hospitality Top Hat
Award winner, is one of the gems of the region. The
51-room hotel offers free WIFI, parking, fitness center,
full buffet breakfast. and exemplary service. Gallup is
known as the “America’s Most Patriotic Small Town” and
in keeping with its designation the hotel features a
moving Veterans Museum in the lobby. Korean War Medal of
Honor Recipient Hiroshi “Hershey” Miyamura, featured in
Netflix’s “Medal of Honor”, is highlighted.
choicehotels.com/ComfortSuites/Gallup
In 1937 R. Griffith built the El Rancho Hotel and it was
the hotel of choice for stars filming nearby. The public
spaces are filled with memorabilia and regional arts.
Take a self-guided tour of the premises including the
stained glass window tableaus. elranchohotel.com
Carl Boller designed the 1928 historic El Morro Theater.
In 2015, after restoration, it reopened as a movie
theater and performance center. Many of the
architectural elements are original and tours are
available.
McKinley Courthouse Square is the site of the
Veteran’s Pillars inscribed with the names of
local veterans who served from WWI onward. There are
individual pillars honoring the Bataan Veterans, the
Navajo Code Talkers and Congressional Medal of Honor
recipient Hiroshi “Hershey” Miyamura.
Free nightly Indian Dances are performed from Labor Day
to Memorial Day in the Plaza from 7PM to 8PM. The
traditional dances and are accompanied by explanations
of the attire and traditions and an opportunity to
participate. Many of the dances were banned until the
1930s.
Gallup has a variety of dining options and Sammy C’s
Rock ‘n’ Sports Pub & Grille should be on your list.
CNN named it one of the “101 Best Sports Bars in the
U.S”. The burgers are noteworthy and the music and
ambiance notable.
sammycsgallup.com
If you are a southwest traditionalist Virgie’s is the
place for you. The dish to order is the enchilada, taco,
tamale and burrito combination plate. This is a local
favorite.
Earl’s Family Restaurant has been a staple since 1947.
The signature dishes here are the Navajo taco and the
smothered steak burrito. It is customary for native
craftsmen sell their wares at your table. You can shop
and dine at the same time.
Immerse yourself in all things southwestern in Gallup,
New Mexico.
www.galluprealtrue.com
TRAVEL WISELY:
This month a travel information website created by
members of the Navajo Nation has launched. It will focus
on the culture, arts, ceremonies and destinations within
Navajo Land from the perspective of tribal members.
Practical tips on scheduling, safety and protocol are
included. TravelNavajoOnline.com
Renee Gordon has written a weekly travel column for
the Philadelphia Sun Newspaper for the past fifteen
years and has published articles on local, national and
international travel in numerous publications. Her
columns focus on cultural, historic and heritage tourism
and her areas of specialization are sites and
attractions related to African American and African
Diaspora history. Renee has been a guest radio
commentator on various aspects of tourism and appeared
in a documentary, "The Red Summer of 1919". As an
educator for thirty years she was an English teacher,
event and meeting planner, served as an educational
consultant and intern-teacher mentor. She contributed to
textbooks on women's history and classroom management
and has facilitated workshops on both subjects. Renee
considers herself a "missionary journalist" and as such
she continues to promote heritage and sustainable
tourism.
2013 Recipient of African Diaspora World Tourism
Flame Keeper in Media Award for Travel Writing
Affiliations
IABTW- International Association of Black Travel Writers
PBJ - Progressive Black Journalists
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