10 Things You Didn’t Know About Gallup

Gallup. Real. True.

Gallup has been creating life-changing moments since 1881 and promises to always remain true to our roots. Our town is a fantastic place to begin your New Mexico True adventure. Whether your interests lie in culture, history, sports and outdoor activities, shopping, or exploring the beauty of the Southwest, Gallup has it all!

Here are 10 Fun Facts about Gallup, NM:

  1. Gallup was founded in 1881 as a railhead for the southern transcontinental rail route.
  2. With the Navajo Nation, Pueblo of Zuni, and the Hopi Reservation nearby, Gallup is truly the gateway to the Native American experience.
  3. With a population of just over 21,600, Gallup has been named America’s Most Patriotic Small Town by Rand McNally.
  4. Every summer, the Land of Enchantment Opera hosts a unique educational program where young artists from around the world come to Gallup to learn and perform for audiences.
  5. Gallup hosts the second largest Balloon Rally in the state each December with over 200 Balloons.
  6. The rugged and majestic terrain around Gallup was popular during the 1940s and 50s for the on-location shooting of movie Westerns with stars like John Wayne and Kirk Douglas.
  7. Freight trains are integral to the Gallup culture. On November 2, 2015 BNSF honored the city with its BNSF Railway Heritage Community Award for embracing their past, present and future ties to freight rail.
  8. When Route 66 came through Gallup in 1926, numerous Indian Trading Posts sprouted up displaying Native American arts. Many of these vintage trading posts can be seen today.
  9. The El Morro Theatre opened in 1928 and was restored in 1991. It now features performing arts and movies.
  10. Zuni Pueblo is reputed to be the location of the fabled “Seven Cities of Gold.”

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