Pull on the uncanny threads from the legendary tapestry of New Mexico's Native American heritage. Ancient Indian history and present Native American cultures are woven together in the Land of Enchantment. The threads of these tales stretch back to Mimbres burial grounds and prehistoric trade routes. Stories and traditions tie the land to its people, in spite of the cycles of slaughter and theft that have threatened to pluck them apart. Descend into the kivas of Chaco Canyon or seek out the high mountains where the clouds mark the stones. From legends of the Salt Woman to the legacy of the Ghost Dance, Ray John de Aragon examines the mysteries of the mesas.
Ray John De Aragon Book order






- 2022
- 2021
El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro
- 128 pages
- 5 hours of reading
El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, the Royal Road of the Interior, is the earliest Euro-American trade route of cultures and commerce in the United States. It spanned about 1,800 miles from Mexico City, where the road originated, to Santa Fe, in New Mexico. For three centuries, this Spanish colonial road followed a network of ancient Native American footpaths and trails that followed the wide expanse of the Rio Grande valley. There were parajes, or campgrounds, along the way for travelers, and early Spanish settlements were established too. Some of the towns and villages are now modern cities, such as Las Cruces, Albuquerque, and Santa Fe. Mexico City, as the former capital of La Nueva Espaäna, New Spain, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Center. In 2000, El Camino Real was officially designated as a national historic trail, administered by the US Department of the Interior. In 2005, the El Camino Real International Heritage Center was erected near Socorro, New Mexico. This is an interpretive learning center that presents the history and heritage of the Royal Road in the region as an integral part of Spain's global network of roads and maritime trade routes.
- 2020
Eerie New Mexico
- 160 pages
- 6 hours of reading
New Mexico's night sky generated speculation about alien visitation for centuries before the Roswell Incident of 1947. But the luminous spheres known as Bolas de Lumbre weren't the only evidence of unnatural phenomena in play. Locals have grown accustomed to stacking an unending list of questions against a disquieting tally of strange objects, unexplained sightings and unsolved mysteries that perplex scientists and confound skeptics alike. The original inhabitants of the land confidently claimed the distant stars as their ancestral home, but there is nothing remote about the fear many of the state's modern residents feel for the "Evil Eye" or a host of other supernatural threats. From notorious body snatchers to obscure ancient rituals, Ray John de Aragón examines New Mexico's eerie heritage.
- 2020
New Mexico's Stolen Lands: A History of Racism, Fraud and Deceit
- 130 pages
- 5 hours of reading
The narrative explores the aftermath of the Mexican-American War, highlighting the betrayal of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, which was meant to protect Spanish and Mexican land grants and Native American rights. Instead, it delves into the systematic property theft that ensued, showcasing the struggles of those affected and the broader implications on land ownership and identity. Through personal stories, the book sheds light on the historical injustices faced by marginalized communities during this tumultuous period.
- 2019
New Mexico in the Mexican American War
- 162 pages
- 6 hours of reading
The narrative delves into the violent struggle for New Mexico's establishment as a U.S. territory during the Mexican-American War, highlighting intense battles, guerrilla tactics, and devastating sieges. Key events include the brutal Taos Revolt, where Governor Charles Bent was murdered, and American forces' ruthless attacks on refuges. The author, Ray John de Aragón, vividly recounts these harrowing tales, shedding light on the tumultuous history that shaped the Land of Enchantment.
- 2018
Haunted Santa Fe
- 130 pages
- 5 hours of reading
Exploring Santa Fe's rich multicultural history, this book delves into the city's haunting past, marked by eerie tales of Indian spirits and ghostly apparitions. Notable figures such as La Llorona, the Wailing Woman, and the restless ghost of Julia Staab bring chilling narratives to life. The author, local historian Ray John de Aragón, guides readers through these spine-tingling stories, revealing the unsettling phenomena reported in places like the La Posada Hotel and the PERA Building basement. Prepare for an intriguing journey into the supernatural.
- 2014
New Mexico Book of the Undead: Goblin & Ghoul Folklore
- 130 pages
- 5 hours of reading
This collection features a captivating array of folktales and scary stories rooted in the rich cultural heritage of New Mexico. Readers will encounter eerie legends, supernatural beings, and chilling narratives that reflect the region's unique traditions and folklore. Each tale offers a glimpse into the beliefs and fears of the local communities, making it a compelling read for those interested in the intersection of culture and the supernatural.
- 2013
Lincoln
- 130 pages
- 5 hours of reading
Nestled in the lush Rio Bonito valley, Lincoln, New Mexico, is recognized as the most authentic Old West town in the U.S. Established by Spanish settlers in the 1840s, it became a crucial supply center by the 1860s, leading to the infamous Lincoln County War. The town's rich history is intertwined with notable figures like Billy the Kid and Sheriff Pat Garrett. Visitors can explore seventeen historic buildings, four museums, and enjoy the annual folk pageant, The Last Escape of Billy the Kid, celebrating its legacy since 1949.
- 2012
Hidden History of Spanish New Mexico
- 130 pages
- 5 hours of reading
Exploring New Mexico's rich Spanish heritage, the book delves into over four hundred years of cultural evolution, predating Santa Fe's establishment in 1610. It highlights the region's allure through famous figures like artist Georgia O'Keeffe and outlaw Billy the Kid, while also uncovering captivating tales of a superhero knight, a legendary queen, a saint with a rising coffin, and an ancient map. Author Ray John de Aragon invites readers on a journey filled with suspense and intrigue, revealing the hidden treasures of the Land of Enchantment.
- 2012
Enchanted Legends and Lore of New Mexico: Witches, Ghosts and Spirits
- 114 pages
- 4 hours of reading
Set in the seventeenth century, this collection delves into the fascination of Santa Fe's residents with the supernatural, encompassing witch trials, saintly apparitions, and eerie encounters. New Mexican author Ray John de Aragon examines the rich tradition of folklore that intertwines various cultures and reflects the region's complex relationship with the afterlife and the occult. These captivating tales reveal the darker side of the Land of Enchantment, inviting readers to explore its haunted history.