Madrid, NM

Madrid, NM - Exit 175, from I-40, which is just east of Albuquerque, NM. North on Hwy 14, about 25 miles. Old mining town which has been been turned into a tourist attraction. One writer claims the writers and artist who settled in the town following the departure of the mining company are the ones who "created most of the Spanish and Mexican history that exists in New Mexico to this day." Her premise was most of what is now New Mexico were actually large ranch owners from England, Spain, Germany, and other assorted countries. I have looked at some of the old maps of New Mexico, and met a number of the decedents of the early settlers, and she might well be correct. Either way it is a cute place to visit and well off the beaten path.