El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro -- The Royal Road to the Interior Lands -- was the official "Road from Spain" bringing
the first colonists to the region beginning in 1598 -- 22 years before the Mayflower. This emigrant trail brought thousands
of Spanish and Mexican colonists to New Mexico until the arrival of the railroad in the late 1800s. The unique culture, history
and people of New Mexico trace their roots to the Camino Real. Though not used for over a century, remnants of the
Camino Real, Indian pueblos, and other cultural sites along the trail are being preserved today. The towns and villages
along the Rio Grande, and the Camino Real, are some of the oldest settlements in North America. El Camino Real is a National
Historic Trail.
The Center museum contains award winning exhibits and artifacts presenting the history
and heritage of this famous trail - and the unique history that formed the American Southwest. Our museum replicates 1600s
life in Mexico and New Mexico and suitable for visitors of all ages.
present the history and cultural significance of this 1600-1800s Spanish emigrant trail.
Updated 10 April 2013
THE FOUNDATION
is the "Friends Group"
of volunteers that supports
El Camino Real International
Heritage Center, provides research
and educational materials and programs on the trail, sponsors special events at the Center, and
this website.
Click here for Foundation
info
THE GIFT STORE
Foundation volunteers operate our Gift Store Wed. thru Sun.
consisting of Southwestern gifts to local history books.
The Gift Store funds our educational and other programs at the Center.
Phone: 575-854-3679
Paul Harden
Including history articles on the Camino Real
> The unique culture and
heritage of New Mexico
El Camino Real
This website funded and maintained by El Camino Real Foundation, the Friends Group to the Camino Real. Opinions may or may not
represent New Mexico State Monuments or the Department of Cultural Affairs.
Thanks for visiting us!
And, hope to see you again soon.
Located south of Socorro, NM on I-25 at exit 115.
Welcome to the official website for --
International Heritage Center
FOUNDATION NEWS
Happy Birthday
El Camino Real is
415 years old in 2013
View of Fra Cristobal Mountain and the Jornada del Muerto from the Monument.
Fra Cristobal was a landmark on the trail -- signifying just
"two or three more weeks to go to reach Santa Fe."
Next Board Meeting:
Sat. May 18 10am-noon
Bodega Restaurant
Socorro, NM
Take a travel break through New Mexico and enjoy our
Visitor's Center and Museum
Interstate 25 Exit 115 (mid-way between Socorro
and Truth or Consequences, NM)
www.caminorealheritage.com
www.elcaminoreal.org
Experience the history and heritage of the famous Camino Real Trail -- America's first highway and longest serving emigrant trail
