Cooke's Canyon facts for kids
Cooke's Canyon is a special valley in Luna County, New Mexico. It's also home to a stream that only flows sometimes, especially after it rains. This canyon is found on the eastern side of the Cookes Range.
Contents
Cooke's Canyon: A Historic Valley
Where is Cooke's Canyon?
Cooke's Canyon begins north of Massacre Peak. Its starting point is at 32°28′20″N 107°40′47″W / 32.47222°N 107.67972°W. The canyon ends where its stream joins with Fort Cummings Draw. This meeting point is called a confluence.
Who Was Cooke?
The canyon is named after Lieutenant Colonel Philip St. George Cooke. He was an important leader during the Mexican-American War. Cooke led a group of soldiers called the Mormon Battalion.
The Mormon Battalion's Journey
The Mormon Battalion had a big job during the war. They marched all the way from Santa Fe, New Mexico to San Diego, California. Their main goal was to create a new wagon road. This road would help people travel across the country.
This new path later became known as Cooke's Wagon Road. It was a very important part of the Southern Emigrant Trail. Many people used this trail to move west. The Mormon Battalion traveled through Cooke's Canyon on November 17, 1846.
Cooke's Pass
The upper part of Cooke's Canyon is also part of a place called Cooke's Pass. This pass is a narrow gap that goes from east to west. It was a key spot for the Southern Emigrant Trail. Travelers used this pass to get through the Cookes Range.
