One of the most vibrant cities in the world, New Mexico is highly recognized for many reasons. There are a plethora of things to see and do, and it can almost be overwhelming. The city has great excitement and adventure awaiting not just tourists but natives too. There are also so many cultures to embrace and history to digest. From charming monuments to unique exhibits and historical museums, here are 10 of the most historical places in New Mexico.
10 Petroglyph National Monument
There is a certain charm to Petroglyph National Monument that continues to captivate the hearts and souls of both locals and visitors alike. It is one of the most compelling sites in New Mexico. It shields one of the largest petroglyph sites in North America. This entails five extinct volcanic cones, hundreds of archeological sites, and more than 22,000 images designed by Puebloans, Navajos, and ancient Spanish settlers over the last 200-700 years.
9 Fort Union National Monument
New Mexico was not a United States territory until the Mexican American War. Since the army wanted to protect the locals and travel routes, it created garrisons in towns distributed along the Rio Grande. The commanding Military Department disintegrated the distributed garrisons and shifted them in pots closer to the Indians, where he established Fort Union. Nestled north of Watrous in Mora County, Fort Union National Monument offers a lot. From taking a 1.25-walk on the self-guided interpretive trail to seeing the remains of the second fort and third fort, as well as traces of the mountains and Cimarron Branches of the old Santa Fe Trail, visitors will never get tired of exploring all of its awe-inspiring sights.
8 Los Luceros
Situated north of Alcade on the east bank of the Rio Grande, this charming 148-acre ranch is a vibrant spot with a vast stretch of a farmyard, Victorian cottage, carriage house, and a guesthouse. The site is absolutely stunning, both when looking at it from near and far. Featuring picturesque river views, acres of apple orchards, and rolling agriculture fields, Los Luceros is one of those unforgettable gems that really sticks out.
7 El Santuario De Chimayo
A visit to New Mexico rewards guests with Instagrammable views at El Santuario De Chimayo. It is a tiny worship center set in the town of Chimayo, a charming location below the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. It is no surprise that the site emerges as one with high numbers of tourists in New Mexico, with more than 300,000 visitors yearly. The site has become increasingly popular due to the healing powers of the holy dirt that stays in the region. Visitors can experience the miraculous curative powers believed to cure a vast array of diseases. It is perceived as the most crucial pilgrimage site in the country.
6 Jemez Historic Site
Just a stone’s throw from Albuquerque and Bernalillo lies the Jemez National Historic Landmark, which is a charming historic site worth exploring. It continues to captivate the hearts and souls of both locals and travelers alike. The site features the stone ruins of a 700-year-old village and the San Jose de Los Jemez church dating to 1621/2. There is a heritage Center that possesses exhibitions that narrates the story of the site via the words of the Jemez people. The site also contains a 1,400-foot interpretive trail. Visitors coming to this impressive site ruins will have so much history to digest.
5 Taos Pueblo
Taos Pueblo is one of the most picturesque historic locations in New Mexico. It was established over 100 decades ago and is home to about 150 people. It is highly recognized for the stacked tan adobe buildings. This village is just a stone’s throw from the Taos mountains of the Sangre De Cristo Range. Visitors will not only enjoy the incredible mountain scenery but will also be pleasantly surprised by the steady stream running directly via the village, commonly known as Rio Pueblo de Taos.
4 Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument
The stunning landscape of New Mexico in this destination begs to be explored. No wonder travelers can hike a short 11-mile loop trail up to prehistoric dwellings, precisely rooted directly into the cliffside. For many decades, this site has served as a temporary shelter for various groups of nomadic people. However, it was transformed into permanent homes by the individuals of the Mogollon culture. The Mogollon designed about 40 rooms scattered all over five huge caves accommodating different families. Later, the rooms were left as historic sites after the Mogollon left.
3 Bandelier National Monument
Full of intrinsic beauty, rich culture, and immense history, Bandelier National Monument boasts a range of picturesque sites that are just begging to be explored. With highlights such as petroglyphs, dwellings carved into the soft cliffs and standing masonry walls, who wouldn’t want to visit this site. Visitors can begin exploring Bandelier with a walk on the Main Loop Trail.
2 Lincoln Historic Site
The site was made popular during one of the most turbulent periods in New Mexico's history. Visitors will be pleasantly mesmerized by the Old Courthouse with exhibits describing the Lincoln County War. Visitors can experience the breathtaking atmosphere while walking in the footsteps of Billy the Kid, Pat Garret, and other attributes of the Wild West.
1 New Mexico History Museum
New Mexico History Museum is a perfect destination for visitors who hope to have more insights into the multiple experiences of New Mexico natives, the factors that have molded the state, and the associations that connect the locality with other global regions. Visitors will enjoy the historic palace of the Governors constructed in 1610, the Fray Angelico Chavez Library (1907), and the palace of the Governor's Photo archives.