New Report Says Opening Civil War Battlefield Would Add $3 Million to New Mexico Economy

Glorieta, New Mexico - The National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) today unveiled an economic study that indicates the New Mexico economy would benefit from $3 million in new tourism dollars each year if Glorieta National Battlefield—the site of one of the most significant Civil War battles of the West—were opened to the public.

"Restoring the hallowed ground of Glorieta Battlefield honors our heritage," said Randall Rasmussen, NPCA program manager. "It could also be an economic gold mine. But before these benefits can be realized, we must make it safe to visit the battlefield. Rerouting New Mexico Road 50 is the critical first step."

The study, commissioned by NPCA and New Mexico State University economist Frank Ward, predicts that the restored battlefield would attract 23,900 new visitors within one year, growing to 51,600 additional visitors within 10 years. The National Park Service currently prohibits general public visitation to the Civil War battlefield because of hazards associated with Road 50, which passes through the middle of the park.

Using recent data on visitor expenditures in New Mexico, Ward calculated that the increased tourism would pump $1.4 million into New Mexico's San Miguel and Santa Fe counties and support 84 new jobs in the first year following restoration, growing to about $3.1 million in annual income and 182 new jobs within 10 years.

Completed with support from the National Park Service American Battlefield Protection Program, copies of Ward's economic study can be obtained by contacting NPCA at 823 Gold Avenue, SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102, or calling 505-247-1221.