(nr San Antonio NM)
Went to see the El Camino Real International Heritage Center. They had artifacts, photographs, documents and research tracing the history and importance of the trade route that was used for centuries by natives, latinos and gringos.
El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro Museum
There was a museum, gift shop, and patio with views of the Jornada del Muerto landscape. A video followed an archeologist as he hiked the original route. Relics from those traversing the roadway long ago were still to be found as he explained their purpose.
Items likely transported
Burro with pack
Today, NM-1 and I-25 parallel much of the New Mexico portion of the original royal road; although, they are often far removed from the original track. When I left the museum, I drove on Hwy-1 for about 30 miles.
Pots recovered on the road
Colonial Spanish armor
Up the road aways was another historic site near to the Mesa del Contadero where colonial tax collectors counted the livestock that survived the journey. A slow five mile gravel road took me to my next stop.
Site: El Camino Real International Heritage Center
Scene: Museum, displays about trade road
Also see: Yost Escarpment Trail and Point of Rocks
I am so upset this is now closed!
Me too. Very sad as it was a nice museum.