This district is a centuries-old neighborhood at the cultural core of one of southern New Mexico’s oldest communities. As a drive or walk through the district reveals, the area’s eclectic collection of homes and small businesses reflect the pioneering spirits of those who set down roots along the southerly path of El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, then known as the Chihuahua Trail, after the Mexican-American War.

The true grit and glory of Doña Ana’s 19th-century heyday lies on what is now a narrow backstreet adjacent to the church. Cristo Rey Street leads down the original path of El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro and through the Doña Ana Village Historic District, the historic heart of the oldest permanent Hispano settlement in southern New Mexico. Today, in ambiance and architecture, Doña Ana is an exceptionally well-preserved example of a traditional rural culture.

In 1854 the US Army established Fort Craig (on a bluff west of the Rio Grande) to protect El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro (located east of the Rio Grande). In 1862 troops stationed there fought an invading Confederate force in the Battle of Valverde. Troops remained here until 1885, three years after a railroad was built through the area.

This hill is a natural landmark that has served El Camino Real travelers for centuries. Various petroglyphs are located on the hill. A 17th century road ran along the western base of the hill. After the river changed its course during the early 18th century and the founding of Tomé village, the main road shifted to go along the valley and by the village plaza.

The Rio Grande bosque and the Sandia Mountains lie just beyond Kuaua Ruins, a prehistoric Tiwa village that was one of the largest Pueblo Indian settlements in the region at the time of the 1540 expedition of Francisco Vásquez de Coronado. For visitors who wander through the ruins along an interpretive trail, explore the museum and visitor center, or take in the pristine views from a shady portal or picnic tables, the Kuaua experience illuminates Pueblo Indian culture.

Because of its remote and rugged locale, La Bajada Mesa is among the best preserved and historically significant sections of El Camino Real today, with well-worn tracks, swales and other reminders of travelers past etched permanently into the landscape. By far, the mesa’s most defining feature is at its southwest edge, where the volcanic escarpment upon which the mesa sits towers 600 feet high over the plains below.

Welcome to Santa Fe, where three historic trails meet at the historic Santa Fe Plaza! Santa Fe is the oldest capital city in the US, founded in 1610, and the highest US capital at 7,000 feet. Santa Fe is the historic hub of the southwest connecting the Santa Fe Trail with the Old Spanish Trail, and El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trails.

Since 1610, this block-long, one-story adobe building has housed the offices and living quarters of 58 Spanish Colonial Governors, 16 Mexican Governors, four military and three civilian governors during U.S. rule, and 17 Territorial Governors. The building endured the 1680 Pueblo Indian Revolt; the 1692-1693 Spanish reconquest; the 1846 arrival of Brigadier General Kearny; and the 1862 invasion of Texas Confederate Troops.

Built in 1846, this U. S. fort was the first in New Mexico Territory (and is the only fort left in the United States from the Mexican American War). Built for 280 men, this irregularly shaped star fort was never garrisoned. Located on a hill 50 yards higher in elevation than the Plaza, its 14 cannons could have confronted an approaching Mexican army or suppressed a local uprising.