Historical Marker

Bernalillo on the Camino Real

The Pueblo Indian Province of Tiguex, in the area of Bernalillo, served as winter headquarters for Francisco Vásquez de Coronado in 1540-42 during his explorations of the Southwest. Bernalillo was founded after the Spanish reconquest of New Mexico by Diego de Vargas in 1695. Vargas died nearby in 1704. Population–8,320 Elevation–5,050 ft.