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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 by Paul Harden
Updated: 07 March 2010
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 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.
The 1964 Socorro UFO Landing Incident
The famous UFO incident from an historic perspective using original Defensor-Chieftain newspaper
accounts at the time and present day photos of the landing site.
Note: Officer Lonnie Zamora died Nov. 2, 2009.
Apache Warriors
Not all Apaches were on the war-path. Many lived in peace; many were Army Scouts. Regardless, they all became prisoners
of war in captivity from the 1880s to 1913.
Where are they today? They're our neighbors!
Las Posadas y Las Pastorelas
One of the oldest Christmas traditions in New Mexico -- the story of the baby Jesus as taught to the Aztecs,
pueblo Indians and the Spanish colonists along El Camino Real by the Franciscans, and how it is kept alive in New Mexico today.
The Last Flight of B-17 No. 9161
On October 16, 1942, a B-17 crashed into North Baldy Peak near Magdalena, NM, killing all nine
crewmen onboard. Learn what caused this tragic flight that is still talked about today.
What's In A Name?
A history of some of Socorro's old territorial and colonial Spanish families and how most of their ancestors
arrived along the Rio Grande via El Camino Real trail.
The Pedro Armendaris Land Grant
Encompassing over 50 miles of El Camino Real trail and the Jornada del Muerto, this remains the
largest Spanish land grant in NM. Today, it remains intact as Ted Turner's Armendaris Ranch.
Cremony's Ride through the Jornada
John Cremony, journalist and adventurer, wrote of his 1850-1860s experiences in New Mexico,
including
his famous ride through the Jornada del Muerto and service surveying the U.S.-Mexico border.
Blazing the Overland Trails -- Part I
A look at how the western emigrant trails came about, bringing thousands to the west.
The Oregon-California
Trail
The Mormon Trail
Blazing the Overland Trails -- Part II
The emigrant trails to the Southwest.
Gen. Kearney's trail, Santa Fe to Calif. 1846
The Mormon
Battalion/Cooke's Wagon Trail 1846
The Mormon "Brewsterites" Trek to Socorro, NM