Paraje del Perrillo facts for kids

Paraje del Perrillo, which means "Place of the Puppy," was a very important stop along an old trail called the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro. This trail was like an ancient highway connecting Mexico City to Santa Fe, New Mexico. Paraje del Perrillo was a reliable spot to find water and rest. It was especially important when travelers were crossing a tough, dry area known as the Jornada del Muerto. This watering spot was located near a place called Point of Rocks in Sierra County, New Mexico. It was the next water source north of the Paraje de San Diego.

Why is it Called Paraje del Perrillo?

The name "Paraje del Perrillo" came about on May 23, 1598. This was during the first time the Oñate expedition crossed the Jornada del Muerto. The explorers had been traveling for two days from another stop. They were very thirsty, and their animals also needed water badly. They were about five or six miles east of the Río Grande river, close to Point of Rocks.

Suddenly, one of their dogs came back with muddy paws! This was a huge clue. The explorers quickly followed the dog's tracks, hoping to find water. Not far away, two captains, Gaspar Pérez de Villagrá and Cristóbal Sánchez, each found a waterhole. These waterholes were named Los Charcos del Perrillo, meaning "The Puddles of the Puppy." Because of this, the stopping place became known as Paraje del Perrillo.

An Important Stop on the Trail

Paraje del Perrillo was located near where the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro trail passed Point of Rocks. This point is the southernmost part of the Jornada basin, which is a closed area. From Paraje del Perrillo, the trail continued north through mesquite scrubland. It led to another small, sometimes dry, watering place called La Cruz de Alemán. This place was named after a German merchant. He died of thirst there in the 1670s while trying to cross the Jornada when it had no water.

From the very beginning of the Spanish Colonial trade, Paraje del Perrillo was a key location. It was where soldiers guarding trade caravans would switch duties. Soldiers from Santa Fe would hand over the caravan to a new escort for the journey south. Or, they would pick up caravans coming north.

Significance for Native Americans

Long before the Spanish arrived, Los Charcos del Perrillo were an important watering place for the Apache people in the Jornada region. The nearby Point of Rocks was a strategic spot. Apache warriors used it to watch for travelers and launch attacks on those who were not careful near this watering hole.

Where Was Paraje del Perrillo Located?

The waterholes of Paraje del Perrillo are believed to have been about three miles south of Point of Rocks. This is now the site of Point of Rocks Tank in Rincon Arroyo. The other waterhole was likely a small pond in Rincon Arroyo. It might also have been in the lower part of Barbee Draw, close to Rincon Arroyo.