Historical Marker
Paraje de Los Brazitos
Here the Camino Real between Santa Fe and El Paso passed along the eastern bank of the Rio Grande near a brazito, or small branch of the river that created a small island. At this paraje, or stopping place, American troops defeated a Mexican Army force on Christmas Day, 1846, in what was the only pitched battle of the Mexican War fought in present-day New Mexico. .
New Mexico has a rich artistic heritage, with many famous artists and writers making their home in the state. These include Georgia O'Keeffe, who lived and painted in the town of Abiquiú, and D.H. Lawrence, who wrote his classic novel "Lady Chatterley's Lover" while living in Taos.