My nephew's paternal ancestors came from and are buried there.
It looks like San Miguel County bladed the road. It is in way better condition than the last time I attempted the trip. Make sure you close all of the numerous gates you will encounter if you go.
Lots of folks descend from people who lived in Chaperito at one time or another during it's short existence as a village in New Mexico. It was around as a permanent place of habitation a little over 100 years and the last folks to live there left in the 1950's. Read all about it here;
http://www.newmexicohistory.org/filedetails_docs.php?fileID=24817
There were several such villages in Eastern New Mexico during that time. Most are gone now and the descendants of folks who once lived there make pilgrimages to get a look at the place where their ancestors once lived.
Quite a scenic and historical area below the cap rock, more scenic than above it anyway. This was a very dangerous place to live in the mid to late 1900's. Especially by today's standards. Roving bands of "Indios Salvages" would roam the area which was once part of their homeland. You never knew when they would show up and what type of reception they would get or give. Lots and lots of folks, Indians included, lost their lives there in battles with the Indians.
The old cemetery is full and a few ruins of peoples homes are still visible. Some of the buildings are remarkable examples of rock construction. Hard to imagine this was once a thriving vibrant community.
2 comments:
we are on our way to visit Chaperito this month... have not been there since the early 60s. is best way still to go in from 67 and down to C48 to B47?
Not sure of the road numbers, but the only way I know of (from Las Vegas) was in good condition THEN... Lots of rain in the area since. Take drinking water.
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