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Central Cities: Albuquerque, Belen, Bernalillo, Bosque, Bosque Farms, Boys Ranch, Canoncito Navajo Reservation, Cedar Crest, Claunch, Clines Corners, Cochiti Lake, Corrales, Cuba, Cubero, Edgewood, Estancia, Jarales, Kirtland AFB, Los Lunas, Moriarty, Mountainair, Peralta, Placitas, Rio Rancho, Sandia Park, Seboyeta, Tajique, Tijeras, Tome, Torreon
Bernalillo
Bernalillo is the historical center of the state of New Mexico with occupation reaching back almost 1,000 years. Several early pueblo sites and Spanish Colonial sites are found here.
Situated at the foot of the Sandia Mountains beside the state's major river, the Rio Grande, Bernalillo progressed from a string of haciendas along the river in the 1600s to a commercial center of trade among the pueblos and the Mexican settlers in the 1800s.
Its colonial heart was called Las Cocinitas. The town's fiestas are held August 9 and 10 when dance performers of Los Matachines progress through the town in a spectacular dance drama which dates to the 1600s.
The main street in Bernalillo is also rich in history. The street, Camino del Pueblo, is synonymous with three other historical attributes. Route 66, El Camino Real and Old Highway 85. The road, rich in history runs through the town and was the major link with the outside world for several hundred years, connecting Santa Fe to Mexico City.
It is one of the oldest historical trails in the United States. The wine grape was introduced here in the 1620s and vineyards flourished in Bernalillo with each family making its own wine. Wine making became a major industry, but floods, drought, and prohibition upset the market. Today New Mexico's wine industry is healthy and celebrates each Labor Day with a wine festival in Bernalillo.
Through the ages Bernalillo has been a center of sheep ranching, mining, and timber industry. Bernalillo was incorporated in 1948 and is the Sandoval County seat. Major employers in the local economy are Centex, Advance Manufacturing, Bernalillo Public Schools, Tamaya Hyatt Resort, Santa Ana Pueblo's Casino and Hotel, and Sandoval County.
Bernalillo is the gateway to the Sandia and Jemez mountains, which have many recreational sites. The exploration of both the Sandia and Jemez mountains are unique and different for any and all outdoor activities. Don't miss a visit to nearby Placitas (Spanish for little town), a scenic community with wonderful homes and hiking trails.
Seven pueblos are in the vicinity of Bernalillo. Each pueblo has a different and exciting history. At different times of the year each pueblo has a feast day celebration where they encourage visitors to enjoy Native American-prepared food and Pueblo dancing. In addition, there are three Indian Casinos within a ten mile radius of Bernalillo — Sandia, Santa Ana and San Felipe. Other major Bernalillo attractions include Coronado State Monument, with the Kuaua Pueblo ruins and kiva paintings on display, and numerous historic buildings.
Bernalillo
243 Camino del Pueblo
Bernalillo, NM 87004
Phone: (505) 867-8687
Toll free: (800) 252-0191
www.bernalillochamber.org/
New Mexico Magazine's Bernalillo Links