Gallup, NM

Gallup was founded in 1881, named after David L Gallup who was the railroad paymaster. The railroad, mining and trade with the Zuni, Hopi and Navajo Indians were the economic engine for the town. It is surrounded by the Navajo Reservation and proclaims itself the "Indian Capital of the US." It became a popular rest stop for those traveling Route 66 and dozens of brightly lit motels sprung up, along with trading posts, to serve travelers passing through.

One of the most famous of those motels is the El Rancho Hotel and Motel, which opened in 1937 and hosted celebrity guests such as Spencer Tracy, Katherine Hepburn, Kirk Douglas, Humphrey Bogart and Ronald Reagan (before he got into politics.) It was in its heyday in the 40's and 50's, but went into decline in the late 60's. A local businessman, Armand Ortega, purchased it in the late 80's when it was scheduled to be demolished and renovated it back to some of its glory, proudly proclaiming its slogans of "Home of the Movie Stars" and "The Charm of Yesterday and the Convenience of Tomorrow."  Its worth a stop to spend time in the two story lobby, festooned with memorabilia and Hollywood portraits. The rooms are named after celebrities and other notable guests who stayed there.

typical Gallup trading post - photo by Richie Diesterhef, courtesy of Wikimedia