Camino del Llano

The road ran east out of the valley toward the plains, and what came back along it was meat. Belen families remember José María Sisneros, born in 1809, as a buffalo hunter and trader: buffalo meat from the Llano Estacado was brought to Casa Colorada, a trading point down the valley, and from there he carried meat, salt and furs down the Camino Real to Mexico. He also drove sheep to the California gold fields in 1849 and freighted on the Santa Fe Trail. The road later carried ranch cattle to the Belen stockyards and the railroad.

What the plaque says

Official Scenic Historical Marker Camino Del Llano Camino Del Llano (Road to the Plains) played a significant role in the history of Belen and the surrounding communities. While the history of its use extends into colonial New Mexico, it continued to be defined by trade and commerce into the 20th century. Locally, it remains a symbol for the development and growth that occurred as a result of the commerce connecting area ranches to both the Belen stockyards and the railroad.

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• Belén — 3.2 mi
• Belén — 3.3 mi
• Tomé — 7.1 mi
• Nina Otero-Warren (1881-1965) — 11 mi