The City of Gallup traces its origins to the railroads and trading post entrepreneurs pf the late 19th Century.
Durring the 1800's, while the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroads  were pushing there way slowly westward, a paymaster named David L. Gallup established a small company headquarters  along the project right of way.  Soon rail workers  began "Going to Gallup" to collect their pay and when the tracks were finally laid through the area  in 1881 the new setelment was formally named after the paymaster.

More Information can be found at www.gallupnm.com.
Many of the Asians, Europians, and Mexicans that came to build the railroad stayed to mine coal.  The early days were more a typical Western Frontier town.  Today Gallup is know for a population of arround 20,000 and serves as a trading area for Zuni, Navajo, Acoma, and Hopi tribes. 
Tourism has become significant to the local economy and due to its proximity to Monument Valley and other Western Settings, varios legendary film stars have stayed in our Community.