Socorro County
There is plenty to do and see in and around Socorro County. In addition to
El Camino Real International
Heritage Center, we invite you to explore some of Socorro County's other attractions. Click
here for some recommended day
trips from Socorro.
First colonized in 1598, Socorro is one of the oldest communities in the United States, settled
22 years before the Mayflower. With over 400 years of occupation by Spanish, Mexican, Anglo and American Indians, and before
that by the Piro Pueblo Indians, Socorro County has a huge diversity of history and interests. And,
much of it is still here
to see.
Much of the area's history is based on El Camino Real, for this was the only way in and out of New Mexico until the railroad
arrived in the 1880s. For centuries, it was along this famous trail that the early settlements were founded -- many in Socorro
County.
Old mission churches, Fort Craig, ghost towns, mining camps, mountain camp grounds, old cattle trails, bird watching
and desert byways -- to the world's largest radio telescope -- make Socorro County a most intriguing place to visit.
Plan
your visit by exploring the links to the left, or clicking on the items of interest on the map.
