Civil War to Cold War in New Mexico
With Neil Mangum. Tour dates: October 1-7, 2019
This one-of-a-kind tour will be a fascinating, whirlwind excursion taking in the Civil War (Battle of Glorieta Pass—Apache Canyon and Pigeon's Ranch, Forts Union and Craig, the Battle of Valverde), the Lincoln County War, and the Cold War (Los Alamos, and the Trinity Test Site). Our adventure will trace a big loop beginning and ending in Albuquerque, and has a little of everything: historic and prehistoric Native American sites, American Civil War battlefields dating to the Confederate invasion of New Mexico, Lincoln County War sites including plenty of burials (Billy the Kid), stunning geological wonders and breathtaking landscapes, Wild West ghost towns, and the site of the first atomic bomb detonation (open to the public on only two days a year). Add to that some spectacular museums (Palace of the Governors in Santa Fe, Manhattan Project National Historic Park, National Museum of Nuclear Science and History, among others), and result is a stimulating and educational road trip that is sure to expand your understanding and appreciation of the diverse and deeply layered history of the American Southwest.
Watch this page for a information on how to reserve your seat on the bus.
Watch this page for a information on how to reserve your seat on the bus.
|
General Itinerary
ARRIVE in Albuquerque (October 1) Check in to our hotel (to be announced); 7:00 p.m. registration and reception: meet your host and guide, pick up registration packets. DAY ONE (October 2) Los Alamos: Manhattan Project National Historic Park Visitor Center, visit the Bradbury Science Museum. Next stop: Plaza in Santa Fe. Lunch on your own (choose from one of many eateries to please your palate) Tour the Palace of the Governors Museum on the Plaza Battle of Glorieta Pass: stops at Apache Canyon and Pigeon’s Ranch Stop at Pecos National Historic Park Overnight in Las Vegas, New Mexico DAY TWO (October 3) Drive by Village of Anton Chico followed by stop at Puerto de Luna (where Billy the Kid had his last Christmas dinner as a prisoner of Sheriff Pat Garrett) Fort Union National Monument (played a pivotal role in the 1862 New Mexico Campaign) Lunch in Fort Sumner, New Mexico Stop at Fort Sumner State Historic Park; grave of Billy the Kid Overnight in Roswell, New Mexico DAY THREE (October 4) Lincoln Monument State Historic Park Fort Stanton Lunch in Ruidoso Visit to the ghost town of White Oaks, in Lincoln County Visit to the Overlook at the Valley of Fire National Recreation Area Overnight in Socorro DAY FOUR (October 5) First stop: Battle of Valverde Fort Craig El Camino Real Historic Trail site lunch at the Owl Café, San Antonio, New Mexico After lunch: visit to the Trinity Test Site: Ground Zero, and the McDonald House Hammel Museum in Socorro Overnight in Socorro DAY FIVE (October 6) Visit to Coronado State Historic Site Back to Albuquerque: visit the grave of legendary Elfego Baca (“The Frisco War”) Lunch and leisure time in Old Town Albuquerque After lunch: visit the National Museum of Nuclear Science and History Overnight in Albuquerque, or depart. [times and locations subject to change] |
A belt buckle from the mass grave at Glorieta (Department of Cultural Affairs Office of Archaeological Studies).
Billy the Kid
On July 16, 1945, the world's first atomic bomb was detonated approximately 60 miles north of White Sands National Monument (White Sands Missile Range Photo).
|