There is plenty of history along El Camino Real in New Mexico. El Camino Real International Heritage Center Foundation board member Paul Harden authors a monthly history article for Socorro's El Defensor Chieftain newspaper. These articles are more or less specific to the history of Socorro County and surrounding areas, but typical to much of the history in this part of the state. Some of the articles are found below.  Most articles contains numerous historical and present-day photos.

 

Paul writes these articles to document and share the history of Socorro County and may be printed out for your personal use. However, they are copyrighted and no part is to be used in any publication or placed on the internet without consent of the author.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

History articles of local interest

History of early Spanish missions along El Camino Real in the early 1600s to a few more "modern" ones.  Includes early Socorro missions, San Miguel, Santa Rita, Lady of Fatima (Florida)

More mission churches in Socorro County, most along the east and west branches of El Camino Real.  Includes San Acacia, La Joyita, Alamillo, Polvadera, Lemitar, Bosquecito, San Antonio, San Marcial, Magdalena

The history of some of the old towns and villages on the EAST side of the Rio Grande.

Includes Abo and Abo Pass, Scholle, Carthage, Tokay, Adobe, Ozzane, Claunch

The history of some of the old towns and villages on the WEST side of the Rio Grande.

Includes Rosedale, Turkey Springs, Water Canyon, Ojo Caliente, Puertocito, Manuelo Rito

This is one of New Mexico's most enduring legends ... the spirit ghost of La Llorona ... roaming the Rio Grande looking for her children. This version is that common to Socorro and southern New Mexico.  Did the legend spread throughout New Mexico and Mexico along El Camino Real?

Click on photo to launch PDF file

Early history of El Camino Real through Socorro County and Jornada del Muerto from 1598 to the 1680 Pueblo Revolt.  Includes maps and photos of the trail.

Later history of El Camino Real through Socorro County and Jornada del Muerto from the 1698 de Vargas conquest to the 1880s arrival of the railroad.  Includes maps and photos of the trail.

Without a doubt, one of the Southwest's most famous lost gold stories. It appears the Lost Adams Diggings and the zig-zag canyon are located near the Socorro-Catron County line. But where?

<---click on map to enlarge.

A look at New Mexico's most famous unsolved crime (Col. Albert Fountain), and some of Socorro County's cold cases from the 1880s to the present day.