turquoise trail
The Turquoise Trail is a quirky, alternative road stretching between Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Before horses trod the route, it linked three Native American pueblos. The earliest mining activity in North America took place along the trail; local Native Americans mined a huge vein of turquoise that was visible on the surface.
In the age of horses and wagons, the road ran through dusty Wild West towns, mining districts and mountains which were once roamed by thousands of prospectors with dreams of finding the mother lode. When mining became unprofitable, the inhabitants packed whatever they could into their cars and pulled out seeking employment elsewhere.
But a time came when people realized there was still potential in these old ghost towns. The buildings that once housed miners and the businesses that supported them are now occupied by art galleries, boutiques and modern pioneers. The route still has a flavor of the Wild West but instead of cowboys and miners, it now attracts motorcycle enthusiasts, movie crews and day-trippers who appreciate authenticity and local color.
Highlights of The Turquoise Trail include:
• Provides a unique insight into New Mexico's early mining industry
• Ties together the history of the towns on the Turquoise Trail
Available at area bookstores, independent retailers, and online retailers, or through Arcadia Publishing at (888)-313-2665 or online.
Arcadia Publishing is the leading publisher of local and regional history in the United States. Our mission is to make history accessible and meaningful through the publication of books on the heritage of America’s people and places. Have we done a book on your town? Visit www.arcadiapublishing.com.
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
