Press Releases

The Turquoise Trail book release

Mar 13, 2013

New Book Features the Turquoise Trail
Local author tells history of area through vintage images

New to Arcadia Publishing’s popular Images of America series is The Turquoise Trail by local author Laurie Evans Frantz. This pictorial history boasts more than 200 vintage images and provides readers with a unique opportunity to reconnect with the history that shaped their community.

The Turquoise Trail is a quirky, alternative road stretching between Santa Fe and Albuquerque. Before horses trod the route, it linked three Native American pueblos. The earliest mining activity in North America took place along the trail; local Native Americans mined a huge vein of turquoise that was visible on the surface.

In the age of horses and wagons, the road ran through dusty Wild West towns, mining districts and mountains which were once roamed by thousands of prospectors with dreams of finding the mother lode. When mining became unprofitable, the inhabitants packed whatever they could into their cars and pulled out seeking employment elsewhere.

But a time came when people realized there was still potential in these old ghost towns. The buildings that once housed miners and the businesses that supported them are now occupied by art galleries, boutiques and modern pioneers. The route still has a flavor of the Wild West but instead of cowboys and miners, it now attracts motorcycle enthusiasts, movie crews and day-trippers who appreciate authenticity and local color.

Highlights of The Turquoise Trail include:
• Provides a unique insight into New Mexico's early mining industry
• Ties together the history of the towns on the Turquoise Trail

Available at area bookstores, independent retailers, and online retailers, or through Arcadia Publishing at (888)-313-2665 or online.

Arcadia Publishing is the leading publisher of local and regional history in the United States. Our mission is to make history accessible and meaningful through the publication of books on the heritage of America’s people and places. Have we done a book on your town? Visit http://www.arcadiapublishing.com.

The Turquoise Trail
by Laurie Evans Frantz
Images of America series
Price: $21.99
128 pages/ softcover
Available: March 11, 2013


For Immediate Release
Media inquiries contact: Suzanne Lynch, Sales and Marketing Specialist
843.853.2070 x192
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About the Author of The Turquoise Trail

Laurie Evans Frantz, a native of Texas, has lived in New Mexico since 1984. She has traveled extensively throughout New Mexico, driving almost every road on the state road map in the course of her employment in state government. She has a keen interest in New Mexico history, culture and archaeology.

Laurie has a degree in anthropology from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas and worked as an archaeologist for the Museum of New Mexico Office of Archaeological Studies. She later worked for the state Tourism Department collaborating closely with the Turquoise Trail Association. It was through the Association that the opportunity to write this book presented itself.

Laurie still works for state government and loves to travel the state whenever possible. She hopes that this book will serve as a guide to New Mexicans and tourists who wish to understand the factors that made the Turquoise Trail such a fascinating destination.

What lasting impact do you hope your book will leave?

I hope it provides a single source of images and information for people who are interested in New Mexico history and the Turquoise Trail. I'm glad that people will be able to view the photos in one place that they would otherwise have a difficult time getting to see.

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