Historical Marker

Hatch

Originally established as Santa Barbara in 1851, Apache raids drove settlers away until 1853 when nearby Fort Thorn was established. Abandoned again in 1860 after the fort closed, it was re-occupied in 1875 and renamed for Edward Hatch, then commander of the New Mexico Military District. Renowned for its green chile, Hatch today bills itself as the Chile Capital of the World and holds a festival each Labor Day in celebration of New Mexico’s most celebrated cash crop. Population–1.028, Elevation–4055 ft.