Still heading west we see McCartys, NM. Here we see Santa Maria de Acoma Church..The parish of Acoma, originally established in 1629, dates as the oldest in the Gallup diocese and probably the oldest in the United States. The early Spanish history in Acoma records both dedicated parish priests and martyrs. This mission, dedicated to St. Stephan, the protomartyr of the Catholic Church, was established in the year 1629 by Friar Juan Ramirez, one of the early Franciscan Missionaries to New Mexico. The church, built in the early Pueblo style of architecture is unique and the largest of the early New Mexico Missions. It is built of adobe brick and mortar and was ten years in building. All the adobe bricks as well as all materials for the building had to be carried to the top of the Rock by the Acoma Indians of those days. The work was done by the Acoma Indians under the direction of Friar Ramirez. Whether the Mission buildings were destroyed in the great Pueblo Uprising of 1680, or not, is a disputed question. Some claim the present building is the original; others claim the original was destroyed in 1680 and rebuilt in 1699.
Heading west on Route 66 from the McCarty's area we roll into Grant, NM. Sands Motel 112 McArthur Street Grants, New Mexico Some historical background on this cool mid-century motel, a reported favorite of Elvis Presley's and located just off the historic Route 66.... Sands Motel is an independently owned vintage motel on Old 66 where many famous singers such as Elvis Presley and Kerry Grombacher enjoyed staying. Room 123 is known as the "Elvis Presley Room," as that was the room he enjoyed staying in. You will find many pictures of him in his room along with his marriage certificate. Furthermore, Kerry Grombacher released his CD called Sands Motel as he was struck with how proliferate Sands Motels are along America's byways. In 2001, he performed a benefit evening concert in the parking lot of Grants' Sands Motel.
Heading west on Route 66 from the McCarty's area we roll into Grant, NM. Outlaws Saloon and Dance 1109 E. Santa Fe Avenue Grants NM
