Travelers along Interstate 25 between Albuquerque and Santa Fe may not notice much of San Felipe Pueblo. The 68,000-acre municipality is a self-governed, sovereign land where residents value their privacy. While many commuters pass by at 70 miles per hour, those who exit the highway may find themselves at Black Mesa Casino, which features more than 600 slot machines.
The Miraculous Origins of the San Felipe Pueblo
According to the San Felipe Pueblo website, its people have resided in areas including Arizona, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico “from time immemorial.” Spain allowed pueblos to govern their own land after the conquistadores of the 1500s. San Felipe became part of Mexico in 1821 and then the United States in 1848.
In 1864, President Abraham Lincoln legally ensured the land belonged to the Pueblo’s residents by patenting the Pueblo of San Felipe. Today, the community is located along the banks of the Rio Grande and includes a church, a library, and a municipal fitness center.
Visitors may attend the annual Feast Day around May 1, which features Keresan dancers and crafters, including the Green Corn Dance held in a circular plaza. The Keres language may be overheard during this event. Photography, sketching, or recording is generally prohibited without a permit.
Getting to San Felipe Pueblo and Where to Stay
San Felipe Pueblo is accessible by car, approximately 35 minutes from downtown Albuquerque and 45 minutes from Santa Fe. The Black Mesa Casino is a landmark at Interstate 25 Exit 252, with the Pueblo itself located about 2.5 miles off the interstate.
The Pueblo and casino are about 20 minutes from Bernalillo, a suburb of Albuquerque with a population of approximately 9,000. Bernalillo offers restaurants and affordable hotels, providing a convenient base for exploring the area.
Travelers interested in learning more about pueblo life could visit Taos Pueblo, a 1,000-year-classic UNESCO Heritage Site, or Los Cerrillos, a nearby historic mining town.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the size of San Felipe Pueblo?
San Felipe Pueblo consists of approximately 68,000 acres.
When did San Felipe Pueblo become part of the United States?
San Felipe Pueblo became part of the United States in 1848.
Is photography allowed at San Felipe Pueblo?
Generally, photography, sketching, or recording is prohibited without a permit.
What does it indicate to respect the sovereignty of a tribal nation like San Felipe Pueblo?
