Doña Tules’s Gambling Hall Site (Bokum Building)

Visit the Bokum Building in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

142 W. Palace Ave., Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Significance:

Doña Maria Gertrudes Barcelo operated her lavishly decorated saloon and gambling hall here from 1832-36.

MANAGED BY:

Commercial businesses occupy this building.

Born in Sonora, Mexico, Doña Maria Gertrudes Barcelo operated her lavishly decorated saloon and gambling hall here from 1832-36 until her death. Reputedly the best monte dealer in Santa Fe, the red-haired, cigar-smoking “Doña Tules” soon grew wealthy. Scorned by many of the city’s residents, the business woman shrewdly welcomed the U.S. by funding its 1846 wartime expedition to Chihuahua, Mexico.

Note the street sign, Burro Alley. The street's narrow width hints at its historic past. It is said that wood for the people of Santa Fe was delivered to this street on the backs of burros. 

Site Information

Location (142 W. Palace Ave., Santa Fe, NM)
The site is occupied by commercial businesses, but the public can view the building and walk down Burro Alley.

Safety Considerations

El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro National Historic Trail

Old Spanish National Historic Trail

Santa Fe National Historic Trail

El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, Old Spanish Trail, Santa Fe Trail: Santa Fe, New Mexico Itinerary

Santa Fe is the oldest capital city in the US, founded in 1610, and the highest in elevation at 7,000 ft. The city is the historic hub of the southwest, connecting three national historic trails: El Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, the Santa Fe Trail, and the Old Spanish Trail. This tour leads your from the busy plaza and other major tourist locations to lesser known sites along quiet, old Santa Fe streets.