Vintage postcard Q: Is there camping in the park? A: No, but campgrounds are located in the Santa Fe National Forest just north of the park on NM Highway 63. For more information, contact the Pecos District Ranger Station of the Santa Fe National Forest, Box 429, Pecos, NM 87552 or call (505) 757-6121. Q: Is the Glorieta Battlefield open to the public? A: Yes. Please contact the Visitor Center (505-757-7241) for more information about guided tours and for a gate code to enter the battlefield trail. Q: Where is the Glorieta Battlefield? A:The Pigeon's Ranch Unit of the Glorieta Battlefield is located on NM 50 approximately four miles northwest of the Visitor Center. Q: When was the Visitor Center built? A: Construction of the E.E. Fogelson Visitor Center began in 1983, and the building opened to the public in August 1984. Q: What is the park's connection with the actress Greer Garson? A: Greer Garson Fogelson and her husband Col. E.E. "Buddy" Fogelson owned and operated the Forked Lighting Ranch surrounding the original park property. Over the years, the Fogelsons contributed both financial and physical resources to the park. Much of the Forked Lightning Ranch is now part of the park. Q: What is the difference between a National Historical Park, National Monument, and National Park? A: National Historical Park: This designation generally applies to historic parks that extend beyond single properties or buildings. It requires an act of Congress. With the acquisition of the Forked Lighting Ranch and Glorieta Battlefield units, Pecos National Monument became Pecos National Historical Park in 1990. National Monument: The Antiquities Act of 1906 authorized the President to declare by public proclamation landmarks, structures, and other objects of historic or scientific interest situated on lands owned or controlled by the government to be national monuments National Park: National Parks are established by an act of Congress and generally protect scenic, inspirational, educational, or recreational values. Often, National Parks encompass large areas of land or water to help provide adaquate protection of those resources. Q: What is the park's connection with Jemez Pueblo? A:The descendants of the final residents in Pecos Pueblo now live at Jemez Pueblo. The governing body of the Pecos Pueblo is in close consultation with Pecos National Historical Park. Q: Is the Park on old Route 66? A: Yes. From 1926 to 1937, the original Route 66 followed the Old Pecos Trail from Santa Rosa through Pecos to Santa Fe. In 1937, Route 66 re-routed Highway 66 to Albuquerque and bypassed Santa Fe (and Pecos) altogether. Q: Where does the name Pecos come from? A: The name Pecos first appears in Spanish records in the late 1500s. The name is derived from Pàékilâ, a Native Towa word which means "the Place above the water.” To the Spanish, the word (or a similar one heard in the Rio Grande valley from another pueblo) sounded like "Pecos," and that became the name that was used to refer to the area. Q: What does "Pueblo" mean? A: Pueblo is a Spanish word meaning village or town. Q: Where did the people of Pecos Pueblo get their water? A:The Pecos River and Glorieta Creek. Glorieta Creek, which was the easiest and closest source as it runs next to Pecos Pueblo, was the primary source of water for the pueblo. However, numerous springs in and around the Pueblo would have also been used as a water source. Q: How much does it cost to enter Pecos National Historical Park? A: The park is a Fee Free park. No entrance fee required. Q: Where is the nearest gas station? A: The village of Pecos has a number of gas stations and the village is located only two miles from the Visitor Center. For information about services provided, including food and lodging, please visit the Pecos, New Mexico website. Q: Are there any restaurants nearby? A: There is no dining within Pecos National Historical Park. The nearby village of Pecos boasts numerous restaurants to meet the tastes of every visitor. It is located only two miles from the Visitor Center. For more information, please visit the Pecos, New Mexico website. Q: How often do you see rattlesnakes? A: Rattlesnake sightings are reported two to three times a week during spring, summer and fall months. Generally, rattlesnakes are not aggressive. If you come upon one, give it room to retreat and do not harass it. Remember that dogs MUST be on leash. Please report any sightings to a ranger. Q: Are dogs allowed on the trails? A: It depends. Dogs are allowed on the Ancestral Sites Trail and the Battlefield trail as long as they are leashed. They are NOT allowed on the South Pasture Loop Trail. 
Photo by Glenn Waleska |
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Last updated: September 1, 2022