Welcome To The Pecos National Historical Park: The Land Of The First American Revolution

Sep 12, 2024

Last Updated on: Aug 29, 2025

Travel Guides

I stood before the remnants of the South Pueblo walls, looking over the Mission Church on an autumn day last year. Looking at the archaeological site and standing below the blue fall sky, I was transported to the time of the American Revolution. 

Further, I could hear the noise of a bustling trade fair with people from the Pecos Pueblo community doing business. However, the historical importance of the park is much beyond its association with the American Revolution. It is also related to the Civil War in New Mexico and the Independence of Mexico

So, with centuries of human history etched in every corner, the Pecos National Historical Park is an intersection of past tales and nature. To be honest, The Pecos Pueblo and Santa Fe Trail were the biggest highlights for me when I was at the national park. 

Therefore, my ode to the park will start with brief accounts of these places. Then, I will talk about the Glorieta Pass, again a site of historical importance in the park. Finally, you will have a quick look at the park’s wildlife. 

Pecos National Historical Park: A Land Of Historic Wars And Revolutions 

Pecos National Historical Park A Land Of Historic Wars And Revolutions

The history of human lives in the Pecos National Historical Park goes back to the Preceramic Period or the 11,500 B.C.E. – 600 C.E. However, the Pecos Pueblo site in the park became a prominent place in the history of the American Revolution in the Early Colonial and Pre-Revolt era

Spanish people started interacting with the Pueblo people. Further, thanks to the Franciscan Missions, the Spanish rule wanted to have command over the economic life and beliefs of the Pueblo people. 

Thus, the first seeds of the American Revolution were sown. To combat the oppression of the Spanish people, the Pueblo Revolt took place on 10th August 1680. As a result, the Spanish Government and Franciscan Friars were expelled from the southwest under the leadership of  Po’pay from Ohkay Owengeh. The Spanish Mission Church, built in 1625, was also destroyed in the revolt of 1680. 

However, in 1692, the Spanish People further reclaimed the Pecos Pueblo and many other pueblos. Finally, the Pueblo people declined in numbers in 1700. Before, during, and after the first American Revolution, The Pecos Pueblo emerged as an important location with significant events around it! 

Further, around 200 years later (1821-1846 C.E.), another site in the park, the  Santa Fe Trail, witnessed travelers, settlers, and everyone else passing through it. The trail was opened in 1821 after Mexico gained its independence from Spain. 

The remains of Pecos Pueblo stood there! By the 1830s, the migration of the Pubelo people was complete, and everyone had shifted to the Pueblo of Jemez and continued their traditions. 

Moreover, in 1862, there was the “Battle of Glorieta Pass.” On 26th March 1862, this battle between the Union forces and Confederates occurred at a 700 feet elevation. 

The Pecos Pueblo Site Today 

The rise of the Pecos Pueblo site occurred between 1350 C.E. and 1838 C.E. The Pueblo site had two units, the north and south, and could accommodate around 2000 people. Further, it had 1000 rooms.

Therefore, Pecos Pueblo thrived as a busy trading center with trade fairs involving people from Rio Grande Pueblos, Plains Nations, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Pacific Coast. The flint arrowheads and shells found here explain the expansive stretch of the route. 

Nevertheless, with time, Pecos Pueblo became instrumental in eliminating Spanish oppression and rule. Still, a drop in the trade, Comanche attacks, and diseases deserted Pecos Pueblo. By 1838 C.E., the last resident of the Pueblo had left and joined the Pueblo of Jemez

Today, the site stands as a relic from the past. However, it is still equally important for archaeologists and historians. 

The Santa Fe Trail 

The Santa Fe Trail

Do you know what the Santa Fe Trail marker near Kozlowski’s Trading Post says? It says, 

Santa Fe Trail

1822-1879

Marked by the daughters of the American Revolution and the Territory of Nex Mexico. 

With the independence of New Mexico and the western territories becoming an annexure to New Mexico, the Santa Fe Trail became the route or passage to the westward movement. Naturalists, journalists, travelers, aspirants, traders, and others took this passage as part of the American expansion.

Colonel Henry Inman’s “Stories of the Old Santa Fe Trail,” published in 1881, describes the trail well. If you are a history buff, you must read this book well before visiting the Santa Fe Trail today! 

Kozlowski’s Stage Stop and Trading Post” is the highlight of this trail. You can spend some time here to visualize travelers from the past catching some rest after a long journey through the trail. When on the trail, you can explore the remains of the Pueblo and the Mission Church. You can even consider taking a guided tour of the Forked Lightning Ranch

Santa Fe Trail

Glorieta Pass Battlefield Trail 

Important Details About the Glorieta Pass Battle

1. Reason for Conflict: Union forces and Confederates wanted to control the Glorieta Pass Route through the Sangre de Cristo mountains and the main supply center (Fort Union) for the passage of soldiers and supplies. 

2. Contenders: The Confederates, with volunteers from Texas and under the leadership of General Shipley and the Union forces led by Colonel Canby, and soldiers from Fort Union, New Mexico, and Colorado. 

3. Battle Begins: March 26, 1862

4. Reinforcements: 27th March, 1862

5. Battle Resumes: 28th March, 1862

6. Battle Ends: 29th March, 1862

7. Casualty: Death of 375 People 

8. Consequence: The Union forces defeat the Confederates as they fail to ruin the Fort Union. Further, the Union forces maintain complete control over Southwest America. 

The Glorieta Battlefield Trail is a popular hiking destination today in Pecos National Historical Park. It is a roundtrip loop, and you will have to cover a distance of 2.25 miles to complete your expedition. Further, the unpaved or graveled hiking route makes it moderately difficult for the hikers. In addition, there is an elevation gain of 152 meters

You have to drive for around 7.5 miles from the main visitor center of the park. You will need to collect a gate code from the visitor center, which is your access code, to open the locked gate in front of the trail. 

As you walk through the forest trail, you get to know more about the Civil War in New Mexico. Many infographics are installed throughout the trail, telling you tales from the past. In addition, there are wayside signs and 14 trail markers to explain the history of the battle on this pass in detail. 

More About Hiking The Glorieta Pass Battlefield Trail 

Time: Around 1 hour

Refreshments (Hikers’ Favorites): Pecos Burger at El Maria Bonita (With a lot of meat and a smoky green chilly flavor!) and Chips and Salsa, of course!

The Trail Guide you collect from the visitor center already keeps you hooked on the site’s history. Indeed, this trail is less about hiking and more about flipping through the pages of the American Civil War in Mexico. 

Let’s Hear It From Other Visitors To The Park 

Really nice park. Easy to find and it is free!

Inside the visitor center, they had a really great exhibit that followed the pecos overtime. It was super informative and brought a lot more meaning to the actual park. After looking around the exhibit, you can take the trail up and around the park and church. It’s amazing that the walls are still there. The view around the park is also beautiful. We spent about 2 hours here.” – Isabelle M.

I really enjoyed this park. My husband didn’t care for it but I think it’s really amazing what is still here. He thinks it’s all recreation and I can’t say if it is or not but I know the current Pecos people don’t see it that way. It’s pretty awesome that it’s free to visit and the visitors center has a little museum that’s also free! The trail starts near the restrooms. We accidentally started it from the end. But who cares. We saw everything and I recommend checking it out. Native people history is really cool.” – Lydia G.

Exploring Wildlife At The Pecos National Historical Park

This historical national park is a hub of wildlife with a 6,500-acre expansion of forests, rivers, grasslands, and streams. The table below enlists the species that call the Pecos National Historical Park their home. 

MammalsElk of Northern New MexicoColorado Chipmunk DeerRock Squirrel
Birds*Steller’s JayMountain BluebirdBald Eagle
Fish and AmphibiansRio Grande ChubLongnose DaceRainbow TroutBrown TroutNew Mexico Spadefoot ToadWoodhouse ToadTiger SalamanderPlains Leopard Frog
ReptilesShort-horned LizardNew Mexico Whiptail LizardBull SnakesGarter SnakesPrairie Rattlesnakes

You will find the Prairie rattlesnakes along the trails. So, please exercise caution and inform the ranger if you come across one on your way. 

A Quick Glance At Some Important Information About Pecos National Historical Park

You must quickly look at the important information available about Pecos National Historical Park before you set in.

Location: San Miguel County, New Mexico

Established: 28th June, 1965

Area: 27 km²

Highest Landscape: Truchas Peak, 3990 Meter

Visitor Center: Pecos National Historical Park Visitor Center

How to Reach: Via State Road 63 

Entry Fee: Free

Best Time to Visit: Autumn (Early September to Mid October)

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Meet Sibashree Bhattacharya, a travel enthusiast who has a decade-long experience in transcending virtual barriers with her words! Her deep love for travel is apparent from her travel escapades to the mountain, often taking her readers on a journey, her words acting as Portkey! Fun fact: Sibashree loves to dive deep into the history of the places she is about to visit, making her travels even more wholesome. If you were wondering how her articles are not short of time travel, this answers it!

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READ MORE edge of the world arizona

How To Get To The Edge Of The World Arizona? Navigating The Route 

BY  Sibashree Oct 10, 2025

Drama and Golden hour glow! And of course, the Jenga rock formations!  All these make the Edge of the World Arizona perfect for camping, stargazing, and scenic drives. The Edge of the World calls the Coconino National Forest its home, and the national forest is further located between Sedona and Flagstaff.  The 55 km round trip is fun, provided you are ready to take the bounce coming from the washboards on the road. Furthermore, every bit of toil on the road is worth it once you enjoy the views from the Mogollon Rim top or inhale the whiff of the Ponderosa Pine.  What’s more? Let’s discuss the Edge of the World Arizona, in detail. We will also talk about the practical tips for a safe outdoor experience. 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Learn All About the Best Solo Trip in India Right Here! 

BY  sagnika Mar 22, 2025

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READ MORE Gatlinburg

4 Must-Go-To Places To Visit In Gatlinburg

BY  Arnab Feb 15, 2023

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Roam Around the Great Smoky Mountains National Park The Great Smoky Mountain National Park is the most popular park in America, and it’s no wonder why. After all, you can explore many historical sites, from Cataloochee to Old Mill. Whether you’re interested in seeing grist mills or barns, you can find a historic place in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. But that’s not all. There are a lot of other things you can do at this national park, such as: Horseback riding: This allows you to see the national park differently. Sugarlands and Cades Cove are the most famous stables in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Clingmans Dove: Head to the highest point in this park- Clingmans Dove. Additionally, this is also the highest point in entire Tennessee. You can get to the summit of Clingmans Dove for some of the most incredible observation points. Camping: You can go to the Deep Creek Campground, a 90-site campground perfect for visitors who want to embark on various freshwater activities. Additionally, it also provides impressive hiking trails and views of gorgeous waterfalls. 4. Thrill Yourself at The Skylift Park Do you want to experience something adventurous and fun during your trip to Gatlinburg? If yes, Skylift Park is the perfect cherry on top of your stay in Gatlinburg. But what can you do at this attraction? Here’s how you can spend your time at Skylift Park: Ride the SkyLift: The famous Skylift was created in the 1950s, taking visitors to the top of mountains and back down again. Visit the Skydeck: As soon as you get off the Skylift, you’ll meet the incredible Skydeck. Placed particularly on top of Crockett Mountain, this is the perfect place to relax. You can even grab a snack or beer and enjoy the scenic views. Browse through the gift shop: Don’t forget to check out the gift shop on the first floor of Skycenter on Skydeck. Whether you’re looking for Great Smoky Mountain-themed toys, clothes, or Skylift Park-themed merchandise, you can find it all here. Head to Skypark: The Gatlinburg Skypark lies on the top of the mountain. You can spend your day at the top of the mountain and enjoy breathtaking views you might not find anywhere else. Final Words If you’re confused about where to go in Gatlinburg, check out these places. During your getaway to Gatlinburg, make sure you explore the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Alongside, visit Anakeesta for an exciting and adventurous experience. Trust us, no matter which attractions you choose; you’ll have a blast in this town. Read Also: 5 Things To Pack For Your Next Vacation 7 Tips To Make The Most Out Of Your Trip To Gatlinburg Eight Outdoor Attractions In Pigeon Forge For Thrill-Seekers