Route 66 Centennial Speaker Series: Why Turn Left at Albuquerque? Albuquerque, Route 66 and the Many Roads That Came Before

Other New Mexico towns overshadowed Albuquerque for most of its history. Transportation played an important role in bringing Albuquerque to the significant position it holds today in New Mexico. Starting with Francisco Coronado’s trek from Mexico, through Juan de Oñate establishing the Camino Real, to William Becknell opening the Santa Fe Trail, many routes led to the original Albuquerque we now call Old Town. Later the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad and Route 66 helped solidify Albuquerque’s importance. There will be free parking for the speaker series in the lot across the street from the library, courtesy of the Albuquerque Historical Society. For more information, visit www.Route66Speakers.org.