Belen: History, Art, and Railroads

Belen was founded in 1740 by Captain Don Diego Torres and Antonio Salazar. The name comes from Nuestra Señora de Belén, Spanish for “Our Lady of Bethlehem,” and honors the biblical Virgin Mary. The year and the meaning of the name provide two different points of reference: the year dates the founding, and the dedication explains the religious connection of the name. Additional themes range from railroad history and art to memorials and events. This allows you to plan your stay based on whether you are more interested in early city history, cultural topics, or a specific date.

History Between Railroad and Hospitality

The Belen Harvey House Museum covers the history of Fred Harvey. This includes his exclusive rights to operate dining rooms, restaurants, and hotels along the routes of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad. The topic links rail travel with lodging and dining: it focuses not only on the railroad, but also on the businesses along its routes. For your thematic selection, the history of hospitality in the railroad setting thus stands alongside the founding history of Belen.

The SouthWest Model Railroad Museum also takes up the railroad theme, but with model layouts in HO and HOn3 scales. It is located behind the Doodlebug on Second Street and uses a mobile classroom for the museum and train exhibition. This shifts the focus from the role of the railroad in hospitality and dining to railroads in model form. Although both perspectives share the railroad theme, they differ in their subject matter: here, historical rights along routes; there, model railroad layouts and their exhibition.

Art and Remembrance

Through the Flower was founded in 1977 by Judy Chicago. The organization offers opportunities to learn about the history of women through art; it also honors women’s achievements and aims to encourage social change. This combines a specific educational purpose with a broader mission: art is both a means of access to women’s history and a tool to bring about change.

The Belen 9/11 Memorial Park was started one month after September 11, 2001, to remember the innocent people who lost their lives on that tragic day. Its theme differs from art and railroad history: the focus is on commemorating the victims of that day.

Events Throughout the Year

The recurring events offer two different time-based points of reference. The World's Largest Matanza takes place in Eagle Park on the last Saturday in January; the date can vary. The Our Lady of Belen Fiestas take place every year in August, and the exact date also varies. For trip planning, the difference is helpful: for the Matanza, a Saturday in January is mentioned, and for the Fiestas, the month of August. Check the respective event dates before planning your trip around them.

Discover more travel destinations: Los Lunas

For the overall travel overview: Valencia.