Budaghers

Budaghers is a trading post in Sandoval County located along Interstate 25 between Albuquerque and Santa Fe. The site features a cylindrical metal tank and a Mormon Battalion Monument positioned on the grounds.

Joseph Budagher, an immigrant from Lebanon, established this trading post in the 1950s to serve travelers and local communities. The later construction of Interstate 25 brought changes that significantly affected the site's operation and visitor numbers.

The trading post maintained strong ties with Pueblo Indian communities, offering handmade goods such as woven blankets, jewelry, and pottery to travelers. These traditional items came directly from local artisans and formed the core of what the establishment offered to visitors.

The trading post sits directly on Interstate 25 and is easy to access when traveling between the two larger cities. Visitors should note that highway traffic can be loud and the location mainly serves those passing through quickly.

The striking metal tank on the property is regularly repainted with new artwork featuring imagery such as skeletal cars, cacti, and musical instruments. These constantly changing visual designs make the tank a notable landmark for highway travelers to spot.

Location: Sandoval County

GPS coordinates: 35.45830,-106.33300

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:47