Santa Fe Trail & Route 66 in the Pecos River Valley, New Mexico
The Pecos River Valley, nestled in the heart of New Mexico, is a land steeped in history, where the echoes of ancient civilizations mingle with the rumble of wagon wheels and the hum of vintage automobiles. This captivating region, carved by the Pecos River, serves as a tangible link to the past, bearing witness to the journeys of Pueblo and Plains Indians, Spanish settlers, intrepid Santa Fe Trail traders, the U.S. military, and the early adventurers who traversed the iconic Route 66. The story of the Santa Fe Trail & Route 66 in the Pecos River Valley, New Mexico is one of cultural exchange, westward expansion, and the enduring spirit of the American Southwest.
The Upper Pecos River Valley, originating in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains of Mora County, New Mexico, presents a diverse landscape. The eastern portion unfolds into broad, flat mesas and verdant grassy meadows, while the western edge is defined by steep canyons and rugged mountains. This varied topography has shaped the lives of its inhabitants for centuries, providing both sustenance and challenges. The Santa Fe Trail & Route 66 in the Pecos River Valley, New Mexico region is a compelling example of how geography influences human history.
The journey through this historic area begins at the intersection of U.S. Highway 84 and I-25 at Romeroville. From there, the path follows the age-old Santa Fe Trail, a vital artery of commerce and communication in the 19th century, and the pre-1937 alignment of Route 66, the "Mother Road" that symbolized freedom and adventure in the 20th century. As travelers venture along this route, they pass through a string of charming Hispano communities, each with its own unique story to tell. The route skirts the ancient Pecos Pueblo, a silent testament to the region’s rich indigenous heritage, and leads onward to the town of Pecos, New Mexico. Exploring the Santa Fe Trail & Route 66 in the Pecos River Valley, New Mexico offers a glimpse into a bygone era, where history is etched into the very landscape.
The human story of the Pecos River Valley stretches back millennia. Archaeological evidence suggests that nomadic hunters and gatherers utilized the valley as early as 12,000 years ago. Around 750 A.D., the first permanent settlements began to emerge, gradually evolving into agricultural communities that dotted the landscape by 1450. The Pecos Pueblo rose to prominence as a major trading center, a hub of exchange between different cultures and economies. In 1540, Francisco Vázquez de Coronado led an expedition through the area, followed by Don Juan de Oñate in 1698, marking the arrival of Spanish influence. The narrative of the Santa Fe Trail & Route 66 in the Pecos River Valley, New Mexico is deeply intertwined with the history of indigenous peoples and Spanish exploration.
Permanent Hispanic settlement in the valley did not begin until the late 18th and early 19th centuries, spurred by the granting of several land grants. The most significant of these was the San Miguel del Vado Grant of 1794, which laid the foundation for numerous settlements along the Pecos River and its tributaries downstream from the Pecos Pueblo. These early communities were often designed around defensible plazas, serving as a safeguard against raids by Comanche and Kiowa Indians. These settlements were essential to the story of Santa Fe Trail & Route 66 in the Pecos River Valley, New Mexico.
The year 1821 marked a turning point in the history of the Pecos River Valley, as William Becknell’s wagon train blazed the Santa Fe Trail through the region. This event opened the floodgates for Anglo travelers, bringing increased trade and prosperity to the villages along the Pecos River. The Santa Fe Trail became a lifeline, connecting the East with the Southwest and transforming the economic and social landscape of the valley. The influence of the Santa Fe Trail & Route 66 in the Pecos River Valley, New Mexico cannot be overstated.
By 1831, an extensive network of irrigation ditches had been constructed along the Pecos River and its tributaries, providing sustenance for the growing communities. This sophisticated irrigation system allowed for the cultivation of crops and the development of agriculture, ensuring the survival and growth of the settlements.
During the Mexican-American War in 1846, General Stephen Kearny’s forces followed the Santa Fe Trail, marching from Bent’s Fort in Colorado to establish a U.S. provisional government in New Mexico. Before reaching Santa Fe, Kearny addressed the people of Las Vegas, Tecolote, and San Miguel from rooftops, declaring their absolution from allegiance to Governor Manuel Armijo and Mexico. He promised protection of life, property, and religion to those who peacefully submitted to the United States government, and threatened death to those who resisted.
The conclusion of the Mexican-American War in 1848 ushered in a new era for the Pecos River Valley, with an influx of Anglo-Americans bringing their political, economic, and cultural influences. This influx threatened the traditional communities and lifeways that had defined the region for generations, leading to cultural clashes and societal changes.
In 1879, the construction of the Santa Fe, Atchison, and Topeka Railroad through the Upper Pecos River Valley brought further transformation to the region. The railroad facilitated the transportation of goods and people, connecting the valley to national markets and accelerating the pace of development.
The arrival of Route 66 in 1926 provided a much-needed economic boost to the villages along its path. This segment of Route 66, known as the Santa Fe Loop, veered northwest from Santa Rosa, passing through Dilia to Romeroville, before turning west through the Pecos River Valley towards Santa Fe and then south to Albuquerque. The Santa Fe Loop offered travelers a scenic detour through the heart of New Mexico, showcasing the region’s natural beauty and rich history. In 1937, however, Santa Fe was bypassed, and Route 66 was realigned on a direct route from Santa Rosa to Albuquerque, leaving the Santa Fe Loop a forgotten stretch of highway.
Today, the Pecos River Valley remains a treasure trove of historical sites and cultural landmarks, offering visitors a glimpse into the past. Romeroville, Tecolote, Bernal, San Miguel del Vado, San Jose, Rowe, the Kozlowski Trading Post, Forked Lightning Ranch, Pecos Pueblo, Pecos, Pigeon’s Ranch, Glorieta and Canoncito, and Santa Fe are all testament to this. Exploring these sites is like stepping back in time, allowing visitors to experience the legacy of the Santa Fe Trail, Route 66, and the diverse cultures that have shaped the region. The Santa Fe Trail & Route 66 in the Pecos River Valley, New Mexico offers a unique opportunity to connect with the history of the American Southwest.