National Register of Historic Places listings in McKinley County, New Mexico facts for kids
Welcome to McKinley County, New Mexico! This area is full of amazing places that tell stories about the past. Many of these special spots are listed on something called the National Register of Historic Places. Think of it like a national hall of fame for buildings, sites, and objects that are important to American history and culture.
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What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the United States' historic places worth saving. It's managed by the National Park Service. When a place is added to this list, it means it's recognized as important for its history, architecture, archeology, engineering, or culture. It helps protect these places and makes people more aware of their value.
In McKinley County, there are 77 places on this list! Two of them are even more special and are called National Historic Landmarks. All these places are also recognized by the New Mexico State Register of Cultural Properties, which is New Mexico's own list of important cultural sites.
Why are these places important?
These historic places help us understand how people lived long ago, what they built, and what was important to them. They are like giant history books that you can visit! From ancient archeological sites where people lived thousands of years ago to old buildings that show how towns grew, each spot has a unique story.
Cool Places in McKinley County
McKinley County is home to many fascinating historic sites. Let's explore a few:
Ancient Archeological Sites
Many of the listed places are ancient archeological sites, especially near Pueblo Pintado and Crownpoint. These are places where scientists study the remains of past human life and activities. They might find old tools, pottery, or foundations of ancient homes. These sites help us learn about the early people who lived in this area.
- Andrews Archeological District: This district near Prewitt is a collection of ancient sites that tell us about early human settlements.
- Bee Burrow Archeological District: Located near Seven Lakes, this district is another important area for understanding ancient cultures.
- Casa de Estrella Archeological Site, Dalton Pass Archeological Site, Greenlee Archeological Site, Haystack Archeological District, and Upper Kin Klizhin Archeological Site: These sites near Crownpoint are all important for their clues about past civilizations.
- Peggy's Pueblo: This site near Zuni Pueblo offers insights into the history of the Zuni people.
Historic Buildings and Districts
McKinley County also has many historic buildings, especially in Gallup, which was a busy stop on U.S. Route 66.
- Chief Theater: Located in Gallup, this old theater at 228 West Coal Avenue was once a popular spot for entertainment.
- C.N. Cotton Warehouse: This building at 101 North Third Street in Gallup was important for trade and business in the past.
- Drake Hotel: Found at 216 East 66th Avenue in Gallup, this hotel was a landmark for travelers.
- El Morro Theater: Another Gallup gem at 205-209 West Coal Avenue, this theater has a unique history.
- El Rancho Hotel: This famous hotel at 100 East 66th Avenue in Gallup was a popular stop for Hollywood stars and travelers on Route 66.
- Fort Wingate Historic District: This district near Fort Wingate includes buildings and areas from an old military fort.
- Gallup Commercial Historic District: This area in downtown Gallup, around US Route 66 and West Coal Avenue, shows what a bustling commercial center it once was.
- Grand Hotel: Located at 306 West Coal Avenue in Gallup, this hotel also played a role in the city's past.
- Harvey Hotel: At 408 West Coal Avenue in Gallup, this hotel was part of the famous Fred Harvey Company chain, known for its hospitality along railroad routes.
- Lebanon Lodge No. 22: This building at 106 West Aztec in Gallup was once a meeting place for a fraternal organization.
- McKinley County Courthouse: The county's main courthouse at 205-209 West Hill Street in Gallup is an important civic building.
- Palace Hotel: Another historic hotel in Gallup, located at 236 West 66th Avenue.
- Redwood Lodge: This lodge at 907 East 66th Avenue in Gallup was a classic roadside motel.
- Rex Hotel: Found at 300 West 66th Avenue in Gallup, this was another important hotel from the past.
- US Post Office: The old post office building at 201 South 1st Street in Gallup.
- White Cafe: This cafe at 100 West 66th Avenue in Gallup was a popular eatery.
Historic Roads and Ranches
- Route 66: Parts of the famous historic U.S. Route 66 are listed, including sections from Iyanbito to Rehobeth and from Manuelito to the Arizona border. These sections preserve the original path of this iconic American highway.
- Roy T. Herman's Garage and Service Station: This old garage near Thoreau is a reminder of the early days of car travel on Route 66.
- Evon Zartman Vogt Ranch House: Located near Ramah, this ranch house tells the story of ranching in the area.
National Historic Landmarks
Two places in McKinley County are so important that they are designated as National Historic Landmarks. This is the highest level of historical recognition in the United States!
- Chaco Culture National Historical Park: This incredible park, partly in McKinley County near Thoreau, preserves ancient Ancestral Puebloan sites. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site and shows amazing examples of early architecture and culture.
- Manuelito Complex: This archeological site near Manuelito is another National Historic Landmark, offering deep insights into the region's ancient past.
- Zuni-Cibola Complex: This large complex near Zuni Pueblo is also a National Historic Landmark, extending into neighboring counties. It's vital for understanding the history and culture of the Zuni people.
Places That Were Once Listed
Sometimes, a historic place might be removed from the National Register. This can happen if the building is destroyed or changes so much that it loses its historic importance. In McKinley County, two properties were once listed but have since been removed:
- C. N. Cotton House: This house in Gallup was delisted.
- Log Cabin Motel: This motel in Gallup was removed from the list after it burned down in 2004 and was later demolished.
Images for kids
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Bee Burrow Archeological District
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The former Chief Theater in Gallup.
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The historic Drake Hotel in Gallup.
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The El Morro Theater in Gallup.
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The iconic El Rancho Hotel in Gallup.
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Historic buildings at Fort Wingate.
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Downtown Coal Street in Gallup.
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The former Grand Hotel in Gallup.
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The former Lebanon Lodge No. 22 building.
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The McKinley County Courthouse.
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The Redwood Lodge in Gallup.
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Upper Kin Klizhin Archeological Site.
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The former US Post Office in Gallup.
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The White Cafe in Gallup.
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Casa Rinconada at Chaco Culture National Historical Park.
