National Register Listing

Route 66 Rural Historic District: Laguna to McCarty's

NM 124 between the I-40 interchanges, Cubero, NM
Local significance of the district:
Transportation; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1994.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

transportation architecture
New Mexico was one of the last territories to become a state, gaining statehood in 1912. Before that, it had been part of the Spanish Empire, Mexico, and the United States Territory of New Mexico.
New Mexico random facts
Cibola County, New Mexico, has a rich history that spans thousands of years. The area was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Zuni, Acoma, and Laguna pueblo peoples. These tribes have longstanding histories and unique cultural traditions, contributing to the rich cultural heritage of the county.

In the 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived in the region, looking for the legendary Seven Cities of Gold, which were said to be located in Cibola. While the explorers did not find the fabled cities, they did establish missions and settlements in the area. Spanish influence, including architecture and traditions, can still be seen in the county today.

In the 19th century, Cibola County became part of the United States following the Mexican-American War. The region saw an influx of settlers, particularly during the westward expansion and the mining boom. The discovery of coal and other minerals in the area led to the development of mining towns such as Grants and Milan.

Throughout the 20th century, Cibola County experienced economic fluctuations due to changing industries and market conditions. Coal mining remained an essential industry, with large-scale mining operations sustaining the local economy for many years. In recent times, the county has diversified its economy, with a focus on tourism, agriculture, and Native American craftsmanship.

Cibola County's history is marked by the coexistence of diverse cultures, from the Native American tribes to the Spanish settlers and the modern-day communities. The county's heritage is celebrated through festivals, cultural events, and the preservation of historic sites. Today, Cibola County continues to thrive as a place that honors and embraces its rich history while embracing the future.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Cibola County, New Mexico.

  • 1539: Spanish explorer Francisco Vásquez de Coronado first explored the area that is now Cibola County
  • 1821: Mexico gains independence from Spain and the area becomes a part of Mexico
  • 1848: After the Mexican-American War, the area is ceded to the United States as part of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
  • 1899: Cibola County is officially established as a county in the New Mexico Territory
  • 1930s: Construction of El Malpais National Monument and El Morro National Monument brings increased tourism to the area
  • 1985: Grants, the county seat, becomes a federally designated MainStreet Community
  • 1990: Mount Taylor, a significant landmark in the county, is designated as a National Historic Landmark