Tucked in the northern Rio Grande Valley between Truchas Peaks and the Jemez Mountains, Espanola was established by Spain as the first capitol of New Mexico in 1958. Today, the city serves as a convenient gateway for discovering northern New Mexico and its many attractions. Visitors staying in Espanola are within a 45-minute drive of three of New Mexico's largest cultural and commercial centers—Taos, Los Alamos and Santa Fe—each rife with arts and entertainment activity. Just west of Espanola is Santa Fe National Forest, where camping, fishing and hiking are popular activities. An interesting attraction 8 mi (13 km) southwest of the city is the Poeh Museum and Cultural Center at the ancient pueblo of Pojoaque, a settlement that was devastated by a small-pox epidemic in 1890. Visitors need not leave Espanola to enjoy eclectic dining options that range from Chinese to American to Mexican cuisine.