Skip to main content

El Camino Real Heritage Center

El Camino Real Heritage Center

The El Camino Heritage Center tells the story of more than three centuries of trade and commerce that traversed the trail, linking Spain, Mexico and the United States at a time when mules, trains, and horses were the only means of land travel. The center is set amidst the Chihuahuan Desert north of the Jornada del Muerto and houses a remarkable exhibit that takes visitors on a virtual journey along the historic trail from Zacatecas, Mexico to Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Discover the indigenous people encountered by the Spanish and the impact the arrival of the Spanish had on the formation of New Mexico. Remnants of the early journey remain today in hand-hewn carts, tools, leather water jugs, and religious altars and objects that accompanied the travelers into the northern territory.

Venture through art and artifacts, previous treasure from the frontier of New Spain. Experience the journeys of Native Americans, Spaniards, Mexicans, the military fort period and the first Anglo settlers from the Eastern United States, through first-person stories and the art and objects they brought with them. Discover the conflict, the confluence of cultures, and the ideas that have forged New Mexico, the Southwest, and the nation.

We hope you enjoy our work.

Please support this 72-year tradition of trusted historical writing and the volunteers that sustain it with a donation to American Heritage.

Donate

Featured Articles

The world’s most prominent actress risked her career by standing up to one of Hollywood’s mega-studios, proving that behind the beauty was also a very savvy businesswoman. 

Rarely has the full story been told about how a famed botanist, a pioneering female journalist, and First Lady Helen Taft battled reluctant bureaucrats to bring Japanese cherry trees to Washington. 

Often thought to have been a weak president, Carter was strong-willed in doing what he thought was right, regardless of expediency or the political fallout.

Why have thousands of U.S. banks failed over the years? The answers are in our history and politics.

In his Second Inaugural Address, Abraham Lincoln embodied leading in a time of polarization, political disagreement, and differing understandings of reality.