Rio Puerco Valley, New Mexico Along Old Route 66
Nestled just a few miles west of Los Lunas, New Mexico, lies the captivating Rio Puerco Valley. This area, a landscape steeped in history and mystery, is a treasure trove of archaeological wonders and geological formations. It’s a place where the echoes of ancient civilizations resonate through the windswept canyons and across the vast, open plains. The Rio Puerco Valley, New Mexico Along Old Route 66, offers a journey through time, inviting exploration of its cultural and natural heritage.
The valley boasts an astonishing density of archaeological sites, with over 10,000 locations identified to date. These sites primarily trace back to the Puebloan cultures, including the ancestral Puebloans, also known as the Anasazi. These early inhabitants left behind a legacy of dwellings, pottery shards, and rock art, providing valuable insights into their way of life and their connection to this land. Imagine wandering through the Rio Puerco Valley, New Mexico Along Old Route 66, and stumbling upon remnants of a civilization that thrived here centuries ago.
Adding to the valley’s unique character are its volcanic features. The region is dotted with approximately 50 volcanoes, a testament to the area’s geological activity. Among these, Cabezon Peak stands as a prominent landmark. Rising to an elevation of approximately 8,000 feet northwest of Albuquerque, it dominates the skyline and serves as a dramatic reminder of the powerful forces that shaped the landscape. The Rio Puerco Valley, New Mexico Along Old Route 66, is not just a cultural landscape; it is a geological wonderland.
Perhaps one of the most intriguing features of the Rio Puerco Valley, New Mexico Along Old Route 66, is the Mystery Stone, also known as the Inscription Rock. Located about eighteen miles west of Los Lunas, on the western side of the Rio Grande, this ancient petroglyph has fueled speculation and debate for decades. The inscription on the stone has raised questions about the pre-Columbian exploration of America, suggesting the possibility that explorers from other lands may have reached these shores long before Christopher Columbus.
The Mystery Stone has been known to locals since New Mexico became a territory in 1850, but the meaning of the inscription remained elusive. In 1871, local Native Americans told the landowner that the rock predated their tribes’ arrival in the area, further adding to the enigma. The site, locally referred to as "Mystery Mountain" or "Hidden Mountain," conceals a remarkable secret at its base.
At the foot of the hill, nestled within a small canyon, lies a large boulder of lava rock, estimated to weigh between 80 and 100 tons. The north face of this boulder is adorned with nine rows of characters that bear a striking resemblance to ancient Phoenician script. This discovery has ignited the imagination of scholars and researchers, leading to various interpretations and translations.
One of the most widely accepted interpretations suggests that the inscription is an ancient version of the Ten Commandments, which has led to it also being called the "Ten Commandments Rock." The circumstances surrounding the inscription are shrouded in mystery, lending credence to the name "Mystery Stone." The Rio Puerco Valley, New Mexico Along Old Route 66, holds this significant piece of history.
In 1999, Stan Fox, a linguist and Bible expert from Colchester, England, provided a fresh translation of the Los Lunas Inscription based on photographs and detailed drawings of the text. His translation reads: "I am Jehovah your God who has taken you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of slaves. There must be no other gods before my face. You must not make any idol. You must not take the name of Jehovah in vain. Remember the sabbath day and keep it holy. Honour your father and your mother so that your days may be long in the land that Jehovah your God has given to you. You must not murder. You must not commit adultery. You must not steal. You must not give a false witness against your neighbor. You must not desire the wife of your neighbor nor anything that is his."
Despite its significance, the Mystery Stone has faced its share of challenges. In 2006, vandals defaced the first line of the inscription. Furthermore, the authenticity of the inscription remains a subject of debate, with some experts claiming it is a hoax. The mystery surrounding the stone persists, adding another layer to the intrigue of the Rio Puerco Valley, New Mexico Along Old Route 66.
Beyond the Mystery Stone, the valley offers a glimpse into a rich tapestry of cultural periods. Chacoan-era ruins have been unearthed, providing evidence of the influence of the Chaco culture in this region. Additionally, traces of Spanish habitation from the 18th century can be found, reflecting the diverse history of the area. The Rio Puerco Valley, New Mexico Along Old Route 66, is a crossroad of cultures.
The landscape itself is a draw for outdoor enthusiasts. Numerous backcountry roads wind through the valley, allowing visitors to experience the diverse terrain. Piñon/juniper woodlands, ponderosa pine parklands, open rangeland, and sagebrush flats create a mosaic of natural beauty. Sandstone bluffs and dry washes add to the dramatic scenery.
To access the land where the Mystery Stone is located, visitors must obtain a Recreational Access Permit from the New Mexico State Land Office. This ensures responsible access to this protected area and helps preserve its cultural and natural resources.
Further along Old Route 66, heading west, lies what remains of the town of Correo. Once a bustling railroad siding, Correo now exists as a ghost of its former self. The town started as a railroad siding named San Jose, after the San Jose River. However, in 1902, its name was changed to Suwanee to avoid confusion with another station in Oklahoma. In 1917, a post office and a small store were established, leading to another name change – Correo, derived from the Spanish word for "mail." Locals often used both names, Suwanee and Correo.
Correo was a convergence point for Old Route 66 and the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad tracks. It once boasted a one-room schoolhouse housed in an old boxcar for the children of railroad crews. Later, a café, gas station, bar, and tourist cabins were added. However, the post office closed its doors in 1960, around the same time that I-40 bypassed the town.
Today, the only remaining structure in Correo is the old bar building. A scattering of houses and foundations hints at the town that once was. A photograph taken in January 2015 showed the "BAR" letters still intact on the building, but by December 2016, they were gone, a further sign of the town’s decline. The story of Correo exemplifies the impact of progress and the changing landscape of Route 66.
The Rio Puerco Valley, New Mexico Along Old Route 66, is a place where history, mystery, and natural beauty converge. From the ancient ruins of the ancestral Puebloans to the enigmatic Mystery Stone and the ghost town of Correo, the valley offers a unique and unforgettable experience for those who venture off the beaten path. It is a reminder of the rich and complex history of the American Southwest and the enduring legacy of those who came before us.