Gallup history

The history of Gallup is inextricably linked to the era of the Wild West exploration and the development of railway communication in the USA. The city was founded in 1881, emerging as a temporary base and station on the path of the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad. The settlement received its name in honour of David Gallup, the railway paymaster, whom workers regularly visited to collect their wages, saying: "Going to Gallup's".

The rapid development and establishment of the city were driven by a combination of several key factors:

• Transport Artery: The railway transformed the isolated area into a strategically important hub connecting the east and west of the country. Later, the legendary Route 66 passed through the city, cementing Gallup's status as an important stop for travellers.
• Coal Industry: Rich coal deposits were discovered in the vicinity. This not only provided fuel for steam locomotives but also attracted many miners to the region, contributing to rapid population and economic growth.
• Geographical Location: The city is favourably situated amidst the picturesque landscapes of New Mexico, becoming a natural centre of attraction in the region.

The cultural appearance of early Gallup was formed thanks to its unique proximity to the lands of indigenous peoples, including the Navajo and Zuni tribes. The city quickly became known as a commercial hub where trading posts flourished. An active exchange of goods took place here: local artisans offered silver jewellery, rugs, and ceramics in exchange for industrial goods. This laid the foundation for Gallup's unofficial title — "The Indian Capital of the World", which reflects its role as a meeting place for diverse cultures and traditions.

Timeline of the City's Development

• 1881 — Foundation of the settlement as a station of the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad, named after paymaster David Gallup.
• 1891 — Gallup officially receives city status, marking the beginning of the formation of local municipal government.
• 1901 — The city becomes the administrative centre of the newly formed McKinley County, strengthening its political position in the region.
• 1917 — A period of active development of the coal industry, turning the city into an important industrial hub of New Mexico.
• 1922 — The first Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial took place, becoming the main annual cultural event.
• 1926 — The legendary Route 66 was routed through the city centre, ensuring a constant flow of tourists and travellers.
• 1937 — Opening of the historic El Rancho Hotel, which became a favourite residence for Hollywood stars during filming.
• 1940s — 1950s — The "Golden Age" of Westerns, when the unique landscapes around Gallup served as sets for numerous American films.
• 1980 — Completion of the I-40 interstate highway section, redirecting the main transit flow to bypass the central streets.
• 2003 — Gallup's Commercial Historic District was officially listed on the US National Register of Historic Places.

Milestones of Development and Transformation of Gallup

Gallup's development represents a sequential transformation from a temporary transport hub to the cultural capital of the region. Each milestone left a noticeable mark on the economy and the appearance of the city.

• Railway Start (1880s): The laying of the tracks for the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad became a city-forming event. This turned the isolated territory into a logistics centre, enabling the export of resources and a constant influx of goods.
• Coal Industrialisation (Late 19th Century): The development of coal deposits gave a powerful boost to the economy. Coal mining attracted many immigrant workers, which contributed to rapid population growth and the formation of the city's multicultural environment.
• Commercialisation of Indigenous Art (from the 1920s): The formalisation of trade with local tribes (Navajo, Zuni, Hopi) through a system of trading posts and the establishment of the annual Inter-Tribal Ceremonial turned crafts into an important source of income. This secured Gallup's status as a global centre for the trade of turquoise and silver.
• The Route 66 Era (Mid-20th Century): The passing of the "Mother Road" through the city centre radically changed its urban layout. Motels, petrol stations, and diners with bright neon signs grew along the main street, catering to car tourists, creating a recognisable retro style.
• Cinematic Boom (1940–1960s): The active use of Gallup's surroundings by Hollywood studios for filming Westerns brought the city cultural fame and additional investment, making it popular among film fans.
• Transport Modernisation (1980s): The completion of the interstate highway I-40 redirected the transit flow. This became a challenge for local businesses but stimulated the reorientation of the historic centre (the former section of Route 66) towards cultural and nostalgic tourism.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

Gallup's architecture represents an eclectic mix of Wild West traditions, indigenous aesthetics, and mid-20th-century nostalgic style. The city's urban structure is linear: it formed along two main transport arteries — the railway and the historic Route 66. This resulted in an elongated layout and a concentration of commercial development along the central axis.

Several key trends can be highlighted in the city's appearance, reflecting different stages of its development:

• Turn-of-the-Century Commercial Style (Late 19th — Early 20th Century): The historic city centre is built up with one- and two-storey buildings made of brick and sandstone. This is functional architecture typical of railway towns of that time, with simple facades and decorative cornices.
• Pueblo Revival: A style imitating the traditional adobe structures of the Pueblo Indians. It is characterised by thick walls with rounded corners, flat roofs, and protruding wooden beams (vigas). This style was used to emphasise regional identity and tourist appeal.
• Roadside Architecture: The heyday of Route 66 introduced a style oriented towards motorists. These are motels with wide courtyards, diners, and an abundance of neon signs, which remain the hallmark of evening Gallup.

Iconic Buildings and Structures

A number of Gallup's structures have not only architectural but also historical value, forming the city's recognisable silhouette:

• El Rancho Hotel: The most famous building in the city, built in a Rustic Style with elements of Colonial Revival architecture. The building is distinguished by a massive facade, a spacious lobby with wooden balconies, and rich decor in the spirit of the Wild West.
• El Morro Theatre: A striking example of the Spanish Colonial Revival style with elements of Pueblo Deco. Built in the late 1920s, it stands out with its parapet and original finish, serving as the cultural centre of downtown.
• Rex Museum Building: A former hotel and police station built from local sandstone. The building represents an example of early commercial architecture with a characteristic corner layout.
• Gallup Historic District: The blocks along old Route 66 (now part of the main street), where the dense development of trading posts and shops from the early 20th century has been preserved, creating the atmosphere of an old trading town.

Notable People of Gallup

Gallup's history is rich with the names of people who made significant contributions not only to the development of the city but also to the culture of the entire American Southwest region. Among them are writers, heroes, entrepreneurs, and artists.

• Tony Hillerman
  Role: Writer, journalist, and editor.
  A famous author of detective novels set in the Navajo Nation reservation. Before beginning his writing career, Hillerman lived in Gallup and worked as the executive editor of the local newspaper, the Gallup Independent. His books played a huge role in popularising the culture and landscapes of this region internationally.
• Hiroshi "Hershey" Miyamura
  Role: Honorary resident, community leader.
  A Gallup native who became a US national hero and was awarded the Medal of Honor. After his service, he returned to his hometown, where he lived his entire life, working as a mechanic and actively participating in community life. One of the city's high schools and a plaza are named after him, underscoring the townspeople's deep respect for their fellow countryman.
• Chester Nez
  Role: Navajo Code Talker.
  One of the original 29 legendary Navajo Code Talkers who created an unbreakable code based on their native language during World War II. He lived and worked in Gallup for a long time. Nez became a symbol of the contribution of indigenous peoples to the country's history and the author of memoirs preserving the heritage of his people.
• Clinton N. Cotton
  Role: Entrepreneur, trader.
  One of the first and most influential traders in Gallup in the late 19th century. Cotton is known for revolutionising the Navajo rug trade by encouraging weavers to create designs attractive to the eastern US markets. In effect, he laid the foundations for the commercial success of the indigenous crafts for which the city is famous to this day.
• John Ford
  Role: Film director.
  Although Ford was not born in Gallup, his name is inextricably linked to the city's history. The legendary Hollywood director made the El Rancho hotel his headquarters during the filming of Westerns in the surrounding areas. It was thanks to his love for the local landscapes that Gallup became a centre of film production and a magnet for stars for many years.