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Gallup, New Mexico is only 22 miles from the Arizona border off Interstate 40. The elevation is 6,5l5 feet above sea level. The Western Overland Stage Couch Line used to stop in Gallup before 1880. In 1880 there was a general store and saloon that was the stop for the Stage Couch. In 1879 the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway sent two mining engineers to the area to prospect for coal. The coal was abundant in this area and the railroad built a section coming to Gallup. Gallup became the pay station for the workers on the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad and the name Gallup came from the pay master's name, David L. Gallup. Settlers came to Gallup after the establishment of the railroad and to work in the coal mines. Gallup was incorporated as a town in 1891. A local government was established and in 1901 it became the county seat of McKinley County. For years the railroad was responsible for the economy in Gallup as well as the coal mines. Gallup of today still have the railroad through the center of town but the mines have been shut down over the years. The economy of Gallup today is due for the most part to the Navajo Nation still coming to town to buy groceries and various items. The Zuni Indians also shop in Gallup. There have been many stores building over the years to supply the needs of the many people who travel sometimes over a hundred miles to shop in the Gallup area.
Gallup is a town consisting of many Spanish, Caucasian, and Indian people. There are many shops selling arts and crafts made by the Indians. Pawn shops and trading posts are still in the area. You can buy either old pawn that is usually authentic silver and turquoise jewelry or the cheaper grades sold mostly to tourists. Before buying it would be wise to ascertain if the jewelry is authentic according to the prices on the individual items.
In December the Red Rock Balloon Rally is held at the Red Rock State Park and draws many tourists and locals. While driving on Interstate 40 you will see beautiful balloons ascending from the park. On the north side of town on Saturday's a flea market is held as it has been for many years. You can buy fry bread, mutton stew and many Indian foods as well as hamburgers and fries. The Indians have booths to sell their arts and crafts and one can find some very good bargains at this authentic flea market. The Indians drive many miles to meet and greet one another and enjoy time together as well to sell their crafts. You might even see small babies on cradle boards. The older Navajo women wear the long skirts and velvet overblouses and beautiful turquoise and silver jewelry. The men will be dressed traditional as the women.
In the summer by the railroad station on historic Route 66 there are nightly Indian dances. A difference dance group performs each night of the week. In August plan to be in the Gallup area for the Intertribal Indian Ceremonial that is held yearly. There are many Indian tribes that travel from far away for this event and you will see many different Indians and their dancing and their colorful costumes. There are arts and crafts on display that can be bought. This event is held at Red Rock State Park with beautiful red rocks surrounding the area. There is a rodeo and a crowning on the Queen. During the week preceding the ceremonial there are daily events taking place in the town of Gallup so you might want to plan to stay the entire week.
While in Gallup plan to take a downtown walking tour as there are many art galleries, pawn shops, gift shops and places to dine in the thriving downtown area. There are also museums. You can stop by the local Chamber of Commerce in Gallup to pick up tourist information on things to see in the area and directions.
If you plan to camp in the area then you will want to stay at Red Rock State Park as there are hookups, a post office, laundry, general store and a dump station. There are numerous motels and hotels in the Gallup area and many fine places to dine and to shop. When you dine at the local Mexican restaurants you will need to make a choice of red or green chili when ordering your meal.
There are three lakes in the area just north of Gallup and these are Whiskey, Chuska and Asaayi. These are stocked with rainbow trout. South of town in the area of the Zuni Reservation you will find Navajo Lake that is a popular fishing area. McGaffey Lake is located just east of Gallup and is a popular local fishing area.
You might like to take a drive to Zuni, less than an hour's drive south from Gallup to the Zuni Reservation. There is an older church then and the Zuni Pueblo. There are many gift shops in the area with the beautiful Zuni arts and crafts. The Navajo Reservation is north of Gallup. Window Rock, Arizona, the center of the Navajo National Tribal Headquarters is not far away. In Window Rock you will find the Navajo Nation Museum, the famous Window Rock and a small zoo.
Gallup is a very friendly town and the locals will be very helpful to you.
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