Discover Gallup, New Mexico: Where Native Culture Meets Route 66 History | A Cross-Country Odyssey
Photos and Story by Ken Hulsey
A great deal of my life has centered around traveling on or living near Route 66. In the early 70s, my family traveled the famed highway at least twice a year, traveling from California to Texas to visit family. For thirteen years, I lived in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where the old highway cuts the city down the middle, and then several years later, I would find myself in Victorville, California, where again Route 66 was once the lifeblood of the town. 
The Rex Museum
Discover the vibrant history of Gallup at the Rex Museum! This unique museum is located in a building that has had many lives—originally a brothel and later a grocery store. Inside, you’ll find fascinating exhibits that showcase the area's diverse history, from the early inhabitants of the region to the mining and railroad boom, all the way to modern-day Gallup.
If you are familiar with the Nat King Cole song Route 66, you know that one of the prominent towns mentioned is none other than Gallup, New Mexico, and that is one of the places my wife and I decided to explore in our cross-country trip.
Unlike many of the towns of the American Southwest that were left to die when Interstate 40 was constructed to replace Route 66, Gallup has survived and remained a place that tourists still pull off to visit.
The Rex Museum
Discover the vibrant history of Gallup at the Rex Museum! This unique museum is located in a building that has had many lives—originally a brothel and later a grocery store. Inside, you’ll find fascinating exhibits that showcase the area's diverse history, from the early inhabitants of the region to the mining and railroad boom, all the way to modern-day Gallup.
If you're a history buff, you'll appreciate the variety of resources available, including important records like the inventory of graves from Hillcrest Cemetery, along with photographs, newspapers, artifacts, and books that tell the story of Gallup's past.
You can find the Rex Museum at 300 West Historic U.S. Highway 66, right at the intersection of Route 66 and Third Street. If you have any questions, feel free to call us at (505) 863-1363 or email us. We’re open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday, and we’d love for you to visit!
Richardson's Trading Post
The first trading post for the Navajo people was given to George Richardson at the Bosque Redondo reservation in Fort Sumner, New Mexico, which was not a popular place. In 1868, when the Navajo were permitted to return to their homeland in the Four Corners area, many new trading posts opened up across their territory. These trading posts were usually built close to water sources and far from bigger towns.
Related: From Boomtown to Time Capsule: The Enigmatic Allure of Madrid, New Mexico | Ken Hulsey Photographer
In Gallup, New Mexico, known as a hub for Native American culture, you can find trading companies like Richardson’s, Shush Yaz, and Perry Null (which used to be called Tobe Turpen).
Richardson's trading post was established in 1913, and it feels like stepping into a museum when you walk inside. Mercurio and Peschel refer to this historic store, located along the famous Route 66, as a key part of trade in Gallup.
New Mexico Kicks on Route 66 Paperback – by Martin Link (Author), Larry Lindahl (Photographer) - $16.99 @ Amazon.com - Order Now!
Gallup is a town in northwest New Mexico, USA, not far from where the states of Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico meet, known as the Four Corners region. It was established in 1881 as a stop along a major train route, and it got its name from David L. Gallup, who worked for the railroad. Gallup is conveniently located between Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Flagstaff, Arizona, right off Interstate 40 and the famous U.S. Highway 66. It serves as the county seat for McKinley County and has around 21,678 residents.
Historically, Gallup has been linked to mining and the railroad, but in recent years, tourism has become a more important part of its economy. The town is close to popular tourist spots like Monument Valley, which has been featured in many classic Western films. One of Gallup’s notable landmarks, the El Rancho Hotel, has hosted many famous movie stars over the years, including John Wayne, Kirk Douglas, and Ronald Reagan.
Gallup is often referred to as the "Indian Capital of the World" due to its rich Indigenous culture, with about 43% of its population being Native American. The main tribes in the area include the Navajo, Hopi, and Zuni. The town is known for its talented tribal artists who create beautiful works in areas such as jewelry-making, weaving, pottery, painting, and sculpture.
Something to think about today:
Over the years, I’ve come to understand a profound truth echoed in the saying, “you can never judge a book by its cover.” This insight holds particularly true when it comes to our fellow human beings. Each person is a tapestry of experiences, weaving together a unique journey that shapes who they are. It is important to remember that we cannot fully grasp where someone is on their life’s path from a fleeting encounter alone.
- Ken Hulsey
- Ken Hulsey
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