Experience the Camino Real October 17, 2009

Las Cruces, NM –Join staff from the Branigan Cultural Center to tour a portion of the historic Camino Real on Saturday, October 17, 2009, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. The tour will depart from the Cultural Center and make three stops: the village of Doña Ana, San Diego paraje, and an area near the Point of Rocks on the Jornada del Muerto.

El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro was designated a National Historic Trail in 2000 by the National Park Service. The longest and oldest European road in North America, this route linked Mexico City to the northern Spanish frontier capital of Santa Fe. In 1598 Juan de Oñate led 600 people, 83 wagons, and 7,000 head of livestock north across the Rio Grande at today’s El Paso and across New Mexico. The Camino spurred economic development, creating a rich, new mix of cultures that is the backbone of New Mexico today.

The tour will start at 9:00 a.m. at the Branigan Cultural Center for a short overview of the trail, and participants will then caravan to the village of Doña Ana where remnants of the trail can still be seen. From Doña Ana, the caravan continues north to Paraje San Diego. This location has several names including Detroit Tanks and Tonuco Well. Paraje San Diego was one of the first stops on the famed Jornada del Muerto and a “last chance” water stop. The tour continues north to a new interpretive area near the Point of Rocks. At this point the Camino Real lies west of the roadway. A short hike leads to the top of a small rock outcrop. From the crest, swales left by the Camino are visible. Organizers anticipate a return to the Cultural Center about 1:00 pm.

Limited seating is available in a 15 passenger van on a first come, first serve basis. Those joining the caravan in personal vehicles are asked to carpool to the greatest extent possible. Most of the tour is over improved dirt roads and covers a distance of approximately 100 miles round trip. There is a nominal registration fee of $5.00 per person. Advance registration is required. Bottled water and healthy snack are included in the tour. For more information or to register call 575 541-2154 or send email to mkshannon@las-cruces.org.

The Branigan Cultural Center, 501 N. Main Street, is located at the north end of the Downtown Mall in Las Cruces. Galleries are open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information about programs and exhibits, contact the Branigan Cultural Center at (575) 541-2154 or visit the Center’s web site at las-cruces.org/museums