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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
Mission Churches of Socorro County, Part 1
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)
Mission Churches of Socorro County, Part 2
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
Ghost Towns (and nearly forgotten towns) of Socorro County, Part 1
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
El Camino Real International Heritage Center
Ghost Towns (and nearly forgotten towns) of Socorro County, Part 2
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
La Leyenda de La Llorona
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 file (or on Part 1 or Part 2 tag)
All articles open as a .pdf file
El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, Part 1
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.
El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, Part 2
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.
The Lost Adams Diggings
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.
Socorro County History: El Camino Real - Ghost Towns - Lost Adam's Diggings - Mission Churches - La Llorona - more
Cold Cases
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.
Las Posadas y Las Pastorelas
Franciscan friars from Mexico and Spain came to New Mexico along El Camino Real, bringing with them song
and theatrical performances to teach the native Pueblo Indians the Christmas story -- a rich part of New Mexico's holiday heritage
today.
The Pedro Armendaris Land Grant
In 1819, Pedro Armendaris applied for a "little" land grant that turned out to be a half-million acres. El
Camino Real along the Jornada del Muerto runs through much of the Armendaris. It is today's Ted Turner Ranch.
Cremony's Ride
through the Jornada del Muerto
The famous ride of John Cremony and his trusted steed chased by Apache warriors for 100
miles of the Camino Real and his other 1850s exploits surveying the U.S.-Mexico border.
Apache Warriors
An honest look at the Apache - those that lived in peace and those that remained warriors until the final surrender.
All Apache became "prisoners of war," their numbers dwindled from thousands to a few hundred while in captivity. Today, they are our
neighbors in New Mexico and Socorro County.
Blazing the Overland Trails
A look at the emigrant trails that brought tens of thousands of emigrants to the West. Part I covers theCalifornia-Oregon and Mormon Trails. Part II looks at the Mormon Battalion, the Southern Emigrant Trail, the Brewsterite Mormon sect that
settled in Socorro, and the Oatman Massacre.
The Last Flight of B-17 No. 4161
On October 15, 1942, a B-17 on a training mission from Alamogordo, NM crashed into North Baldy Peak
near Magdalena. This is the complete story from the official U.S. Army Air Corps accident report to local witnesses.
The 1964 Socorro UFO Incident
In April 1964, Socorro City Policeman Lonnie Zamora witnessed what has become one of the most well-known
UFO landing cases. This is the real story as it occured in Socorro and from many of the local people involved.
In honor of Lonnie Zamora, who died Nov. 2009 after this article was published and prepared with his assistance.
What's In A Name?
The origins of New Mexico's families, many arriving 1600-1700s over El Camino Real from Spain and Mexico - New
Mexico's 1st families.
Murder At Mogollon
In February 1912, two ruffians robbed the Mogollon Mercantile store of the payroll for the Last Chance mine -- killing
two store clerks. The manhunt, trial, and execution is an interesting look at New Mexico's history shortly after statehood.