Pecos National Historic Park - Las Vegas, New Mexico - Ancient Ruins and Civil War Site

Preserving over 12,000 years of cultural history, Pecos National Historical Park contains extensive areas of archeological importance, including large mounds, restored kivas, and stone and adobe ruins. The ruts of the old Santa Fe Trail can still be seen here, along with the remains of New Mexico's largest mission church, dating back to 1621.

This was the home of the massive Pecos Pueblo and an adjacent Spanish mission complex. It was also the scene of a Civil War battle known as Glorieta Pass. In the 20th century, actress Greer Garson and her husband Col. E.E. "Buddy'' Fogelson had their Forked Lighting Ranch here, too.

Today, visitors can tour the Civil War battlefield and explore the pueblo ruins. Exhibits in the E.E. Fogelson Visitor Center, opened in 1984, explain the local history, accompanied by a ten-minute introductory film in English and Spanish. The center has a bookstore and picnic area, too.

Pecos National Historical Park is located 25 miles east of Santa Fe, New Mexico off Interstate 25. Traveling north, take Exit 299 on to Highway 50 toward the Pecos village, and then go south two miles on State Road 63. From the south take Exit 307. The Visitor Center opens at 8am daily, except Christmas and New Year's Day. It closes at 6pm in summer and 4:30pm in winter. Admission is free of charge.

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