Doña Eufemia

Everything known of Doña Eufemia comes from one book, Gaspar Pérez de Villagrá's epic poem on the Oñate expedition, printed in Spain in 1610. He names her as the wife of the officer Francisco de Sosa Peñalosa and calls her a woman of singular courage and great spirit. Her speech to wavering soldiers came during the long, demoralizing wait for royal permission to march; Villagrá admits its effect wore off and desertions went on. The panel's capital of San Juan was Ohkay Owingeh, the Tewa pueblo where the colonists settled in July 1598.

What the plaque says

Official Scenic Historic Marker Doña Eufemia "La Valerosa" The Spanish Entrada of 1598 Traveling with the colonizing expedition of Juan de Oñate, Doña Eufemia rallied Spanish soldiers to persevere when morale broke down during their long journey on the Camino Real. Settling in present-day New Mexico, she rallied 22 women to defend the northern territory's capital of San Juan when soldiers were away. A woman of extreme bravery and beauty, she received the sobriquet "La Valerosa," the valiant one, for her courage and fortitude exhibited under difficult circumstances.

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• Rio Salado Sand Dunes — steps away
• Rio Salado Sand Dunes — steps away
• Acomilla — steps away
• La Joya de Sevilleta — 3.8 mi