| The Rio Grande County Museum was first opened in 1959 in the county courthouse. Over the years, the collection outgrew the available space and in 1985, the family of newspaper publisher Dean Hammond donated the land for the home of the new museum.The museum offers visitors a glimpse into the cultural and natural history of the area from the Indians and Hispanic settlers, the mountain men fur trappers and traders, to the later settlers who came in search of land, freedom, gold, and silver.Of special interest in the Del Norte area is the Old Spanish Trail . Between 1830 and 1848 the Trail was a major trade route running between Santa Fe, New Mexico and Los Angeles, California. Traces of the original trail can still be seen in the area.This museum offers stimulating learning opportunities for visitors of all ages. You can view a comprehensive exhibit of Indian rock art here. Lecture series are offered, in addition to special programs for school children. Visitors also have the chance to browse through our gift store and view exhibits of contemporary regional artisans. |
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