Imagine stumbling upon a hidden gem, a war memorial tucked away near Santa Fe, accessible at highway speeds without a single ramp in sight. This is the kind of discovery that makes you pause and wonder about the stories etched into our landscapes. Willie Lambert, a renowned Route 66 expert and author of The Route 66 Unpolished Guide, recently shared his find with KOAT, shedding light on a roadside memorial near Apache Canyon dedicated to honoring war veterans. But here's where it gets intriguing: this isn't just any memorial—it's a testament to one man's passion and a crossroads of history that few know about.
Lambert, who has spent years documenting Route 66's hidden treasures, explains, 'I don't know too many places in the country where you can pull off at 70 to 85 miles per hour with no entrance or exit ramp.' This accessibility, he notes, is part of what makes the site so unique. The memorial was the brainchild of Al Sanchez, a man Lambert met serendipitously while cleaning the area. Sanchez had a vision: to create a tribute to all war veterans, a project that required special permission from former Governor Bill Richardson to come to life.
But here's where it gets controversial: While the memorial stands as a powerful tribute, it’s also a fragile one. Lambert has been documenting the site for nearly two decades, watching it slowly deteriorate. 'I’ve brought so many people here, and they always ask, 'How do we protect this?'' he shares. The memorial features a small structure adorned with artwork depicting the Battle of Glorieta Pass, a pivotal Civil War clash often called the 'Gettysburg of the West.' This artwork, Lambert reveals, was created by a young man Sanchez took under his wing, a heartfelt 'thank you' for his kindness.
And this is the part most people miss: the site isn’t just a memorial—it’s a historical crossroads. It marks the convergence of the Santa Fe Trail and Route 66, blending layers of American history into one location. Lambert passionately argues for its preservation, stating, 'If you move this to a museum, we lose the raw, in-the-moment appreciation of discovering it here. But if we leave it, it becomes a limited edition—a rare find that tells its story in its original setting.'
Al Sanchez, the memorial’s creator, encouraged visitors to explore and share his passion for this hidden tribute. Lambert recalls, 'Al wanted people to come here, enjoy it, and spread the word.' Today, the land is owned by the American Battlefield Trust, ensuring its protection for future generations. But the question remains: How do we balance preservation with accessibility? And should such sites remain 'hidden' to retain their authenticity?
What do you think? Is preserving historical sites in their original locations worth the risk of deterioration, or should they be relocated for better protection? Share your thoughts in the comments—this is a conversation that deserves to be heard. To dive deeper into Willie Lambert’s discoveries, check out his Route 66 Unpolished Guide here.
