Ken's Comments

Gallup, New Mexico

Gallup is a town devoted to the Native American culture. It is close to the Navajo Reservation and has many businesses devoted to Indian art. It is known as the "Indian Capital of the World." It is a good place to purchase old and new Native Amerian art, especially in the many Trading Post stores along the railroad tracks.

The town was founded in 1881 as a headquarters for the southern transcontinental rail route and today has many trains running through it day and night travelling both east and west. It is situated on I-40 and was a popular stop on old Route 66 which went from Chicago, IL to Las Angeles, CA. The famous El Rancho Hotel where many famous movie stars have stayed is located there next to the railroad tracks.

The Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial is held there every August. During the week that it is held there are many activities involving tribes throughout the United States - a rodeo, a pow-wow, parade, arts and craft sales, dances, pony races, a fun-run and several pagents. Also enjoy the beauty of the Red Rocks just out of town. I did!