 New Mexico Through the Ages: Five Centuries of Conflict
Sept 27–Oct 4
Historian Guide Neil Mangum
New Mexico’s sobriquet is “Land of Enchantment,” and enchanting it is. Its history is diverse with everything from pre- Columbian pueblos to the dawn of the nuclear age. More than just glimpses into the past, New Mexico is in a very real sense living history. For instance, the communities of Zuni and Acoma Pueblos are not static antiquities; they are dynamic, evolving cultures representing a continuum of time spanning thousands of years.
New Mexico Through the Ages is about the struggles for various contending cultures to carve out niches to dominate the native landscape. It is also a study of economic competition, factionalism, conquest, and defeat. The tour features visits to Mexican War battlefields and a close study of the failed Confederate attempt at Southwest expansion. Beyond military history, New Mexico is a struggle between classes for economic control, as evidenced by the famous Lincoln County Wars featuring the likes of Pat Garrett and Billy the Kid. Finally you have the rare opportunity to visit the Trinity Site, arguably the most significant 20th century site in the U.S. Here in the predawn stillness of July 16, 1945, the first atomic detonation forever changed the world.
Come join this new one-of-a-kind tour with HistoryAmerica and let Neil Mangum, acclaimed western historian, show you a New Mexico rich in military history and rich in tradition, that you will find rich in memories as you travel through five centuries of conflict.
TOUR INCLUDES
8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS
- Historian Guide: Neil Mangum
- Services of a professional tour director
- Deluxe motorcoach transportation
- All admissions to included features
- Seven nights hotel accommodations
- Seven breakfasts, four lunches, and four dinners
- Welcome briefing
- All taxes, baggage handling, & gratuities on included features
- Suggested reading list
COST:
Per person double occupancy - $2,995
Per person single occupancy - $3,495
Click to request a 2009 printed Travel Guide.
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ITINERARY
Sunday, September 27
Gathering day at the Hyatt Regency in Albuquerque with a welcome briefing and dinner hosted by Neil Mangum and HistoryAmerica TOURS.
Monday, September 28
Today’s emphasis is on the Conquistadores. This morning you tour Acoma Pueblo, “Sky City.” At Zuni Pueblo you learn of the 1540 battle between Francisco Coronado and the Zunis. You visit El Morro National Monument and the site of Fort Wingate, central to the Navajo Wars. Get your kicks on Route 66 as you return to Albuquerque..
Tuesday, September 29
The Mexican War is the theme for the day. You tour the battlefields of La Canada, Embudo Pass, Taos Pueblo, and Mora. You overnight in historic Las Vegas.
Wednesday, September 30
This morning you will visit Pecos National Monument which preserves 12,000 years of history: the ancient pueblo of Pecos, Santa Fe Trail sites, and the site of the Civil War battle of Glorieta Pass. At old Fort Sumner view the grave of Billy the Kid, then tour Bosque Redondo, site of the short- lived Navajo and Mescalero Apache concentration camp. Finish the day in Roswell.
Thursday, October 1
The Roswell Museum is first today with special emphasis on rocket pioneer Robert Goddard. At the Lincoln State Monument you will view the museum and historic city, as you learn of the Lincoln County Wars. Drive by Fort Stanton and Blazers Mill and visit Fort Selden State Monument before checking into the Las Cruces hotel for two nights.
Friday, October 2
Travel to Columbus, site of Pancho Villa’s 1916 raid into the United States. This afternoon visit Pat Garretts’s grave, historic Mesilla Plaza, and stop near Brazito, site of the Christmas Day of 1846, Mexican War battle.
Saturday, October 3
You start the day at Fort Craig and Valverde Battlefield where Confederate hopes for conquering New Mexico looked promising. After a visit to the El Camino Real International Heritage Center we reach our destination, Trinity Site and Ground Zero. You conclude the tour with stops at Peralt and the National Atomic Museum. Back at the hotel we cap our tour with a farewell dinner.
Sunday, October 4
Depart Albuquerque at your leisure following breakfast.
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