Campbell Pass facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Campbell Pass |
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|---|---|
| Elevation | 7,270 ft (2,216 m) |
| Traversed by |  I-40, BNSF Railway |
| Location | McKinley County, New Mexico, US |
| Range | Rocky Mountains |
| Coordinates | 35°25′19″N 108°18′30″W / 35.42194°N 108.30833°W |
| Topo map | USGS Continental Divide |
Campbell Pass is a mountain pass located in New Mexico. It crosses the Continental Divide. This is a line that separates rivers flowing to the Pacific Ocean from those flowing to the Atlantic Ocean.
The pass is found in McKinley County. It sits between the towns of Gallup and Grants. Even though its name "Campbell Pass" is not often used, it is a very important crossing.
What is Campbell Pass?
Campbell Pass is a wide and gentle mountain pass. It is not a steep or difficult climb. The pass is about 7,270 feet (2,216 meters) above sea level.
A small community called "Continental Divide" is located right at the pass. This name simply means it is on the Continental Divide.
Why is Campbell Pass Important?
Campbell Pass has a rich history. It has been a key route for travel and trade for many years.
- Railroad History: The first major route through the pass was the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. This was a very important train line. Today, it is part of the BNSF Railway's main route, known as the Southern Transcon.
- Historic Route 66: Later, the famous U.S. Route 66 used Campbell Pass. Route 66 was a well-known highway that crossed much of the United States.
- Modern Interstate 40: Now, Interstate 40 follows the same path through the pass. I-40 is a major modern highway.
This shows how important Campbell Pass has been for connecting the eastern and western parts of the United States.
Origin of the Name
The exact reason for the name "Campbell Pass" is not fully clear. It seems to be a name mostly used in connection with the railroad.
