History & Culture
Tinsmithing
(photo by Richard Gonzales)
El Rancho de Las Golondrinas, or “The Ranch of the Swallows” was a historic ranch strategically located on El Camino Real, the Royal Road that extended from Mexico City to Santa Fe.
The ranch provided goods for trade and was a place where the caravans that plied the road would stop on their journey coming from or going to Santa Fe. It was a paraje, or an official rest stop, for travelers on El Camino Real.
Now a living history museum, El Rancho de Las Golondrinas is dedicated to the history, heritage and culture of 18th- and 19th-century New Mexico. There are over 30 historic buildings throughout the museum, including original buildings that date from the 1700s, buildings relocated from around the state and reproductions.
Visitors can explore the historic buildings, learn about the trades and skills practiced during these time periods, witness the agricultural practices of the ranch, and even learn about the archaeological exploration of the area.
