The History of Gallup, New Mexico

Learn about Gallup's most important moments and significant historical figures.

Founded in 1881 as a headquarters for the southern transcontinental rail route, the town draws its name from David L. Gallup, a paymaster for the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad (later part of the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad).

Indigenous History

Resting in the heart of Native American ancestral homelands, Gallup is surrounded by vibrant Indigenous nations, with the Navajo Nation at their doorstep, Zuni Pueblo to the South, and the Hopi Reservation in Arizona.

Ancestral Puebloans

Long before modern Gallup took shape, the region was home to the Ancestral Puebloans, who lived here from roughly 300 BCE to 1250 CE. They cultivated corn, beans, and squash, crafted artisanal goods, and built intricate structures that served as both homes and gathering spaces. Their legacy endures across the region’s national monuments, tribal parks, and archaeological sites.

Trading Posts & the Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial

Centuries later, trading posts emerged as centers of exchange and artistry. Today, trading posts are the best places to find handcrafted Native American jewelry, pottery, and textiles.

Gallup’s deep Indigenous roots continue to shine each August during the Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial, established in 1922. One of the oldest celebrations of its kind in the country, the event brings together tribal nations through art, dance, and song, honoring the living cultures that define the region.

Window Rock & the Navajo Nation

The Navajo Nation extends over 27,000 square miles across Utah, Arizona and New Mexico, and is home more than a dozen national monuments, tribal parks and historical sites.

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Founding & Early Development of Gallup (1881- 1900)

What began as a remote stagecoach stop along the Westward Overland route slowly evolved into modern-day Gallup.

Early Tensions & The Long Walk

In its earliest days, tensions between settlers and the Navajo escalated into violent confrontations. The U.S. cavalry from nearby Fort Wingate, carried out the forced displacement known as The Long Walk, during which thousands of Navajos were marched 400 miles to the Bosque Redondo Reservation.

Town Founding

Gallup was officially founded in 1881 as the headquarters for the southern transcontinental railroad. The town took its name from David L. Gallup, a paymaster for the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad. Workers collecting their wages would say they were “going to Gallup” and the name stuck.

Coal Mining

Soon after, the discovery of coal in nearby hills transformed Gallup into a booming mining center. Dozens of camps appeared around the town, earning Gallup the nickname “Carbon City." Coal fueled the city's growth for decades until the last mines closed in 1952.

Route 66 and Mid-Century Developments (1900-1950s)

Route 66

By 1926, Route 66 ran straight through Gallup, turning the town into a key stop on America’s Mother Road. Its stretch of the former “Old Trail Highway” was fully paved by 1934, and by the late 1930s, the route was widened to accommodate the country’s growing appetite for cross-country travel. From 1945 to 1956, Gallup glowed under a sea of neon signs as Route 66 became the main corridor from Chicago to Los Angeles.

The New Deal

The Great Depression and Dust Bowl of the 1930s brought hardship to the Southwest, yet Gallup and New Mexico found resilience through New Deal programs. Under President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s administration, artists and craftspeople helped shape the region’s distinct aesthetic. More than 65 murals, 650 paintings, and 10 sculptures were created statewide.

Navajo Code Talkers & Hiroshi Miyamura

Gallup’s connection to military service runs deep, but its role during World War II stands apart. Twenty-nine Navajo Code Talkers trained at nearby Fort Wingate before deploying overseas, using their language to protect American communications and ultimately change the course of the war. Another Gallup native, Hiroshi Miyamura, earned the Medal of Honor for his extraordinary service during WWII.

Modern Gallup & Preserving the Past

Today, Gallup stands as both a living museum and a thriving cultural hub. Our city’s downtown still reflects its railroad and Route 66 roots, local businesses and museums, like George Galanis Multicultural Center, continue to tell the story of Gallup, and annual celebrations keep our heritage alive. Experience this history firsthand and plan your trip to Gallup.

Historic Attractions & Walking Tours

Historic Markers Tour

This tour (most of which is a walking tour) celebrates Gallup's rich history. It includes historic events, riots, movie making, and honoring of important figures in Gallup's past.

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Historic Buildings Walking Tour

Gallup has many historic buildings through its downtown district. The downtown area itself is designated a Historic District, and then many buildings within are listed on the National Historic Register. Some of the buildings on this tour date all the way back to the late 1800s!

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