Historical Marker

Susie Rayos Marmon, Ga-wa goo maa, "Early Riser" (1877–1988), Laguna Pueblo


Educated at the Carlisle Indian School in Pennsylvania under the U.S. policy of acculturating Indian children through schooling and removal from their homelands, Susie was instrumental in bringing education back to Laguna. A lifelong teacher, oral historian, and storyteller, Susie was honored with a school in her name in Albuquerque in 1989 and received many national and state citations for her commitment to educating students

The Historic Women Marker Initiative of 2007 captured the public’s imagination. It has received international attention for its ambitious goal of telling women’s history in New Mexico on some of the state’s 650 Official Scenic Historic Markers. Before 2007, perhaps three markers mentioned women at all.

The lives of the only known female Buffalo solider, one of the world’s most famous artists, and unsung heroes like Sally Rooke who gave her life at her switchboard warning Folsom’s citizens of a wall of water approaching their town are honored on 75 women’s history markers.

The first phase of the Initiative concluded in 2010. Ten more markers were installed in 2015 and an additional 25 are expected to bring their numbers to an even 100 in the coming years. The program is a partnership of the New Mexico Women’s Forum, HPD, CPRC, New Mexico Department of Transportation, and the public. The 2006 legislature made the initial 65 historic markers possible.

Like all state historic markers, the women’s history markers are designed in the Park Service Rustic style adopted when the program began in 1935. What’s different is their perspective of New Mexico history.

The state's landscape is diverse and includes deserts, mountains, and forests. It is home to several national parks and monuments, including Carlsbad Caverns National Park and the White Sands National Monument.
New Mexico random facts
Cibola County, New Mexico, has a rich history that spans thousands of years. The area was initially inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Zuni, Acoma, and Laguna pueblo peoples. These tribes have longstanding histories and unique cultural traditions, contributing to the rich cultural heritage of the county.

In the 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived in the region, looking for the legendary Seven Cities of Gold, which were said to be located in Cibola. While the explorers did not find the fabled cities, they did establish missions and settlements in the area. Spanish influence, including architecture and traditions, can still be seen in the county today.

In the 19th century, Cibola County became part of the United States following the Mexican-American War. The region saw an influx of settlers, particularly during the westward expansion and the mining boom. The discovery of coal and other minerals in the area led to the development of mining towns such as Grants and Milan.

Throughout the 20th century, Cibola County experienced economic fluctuations due to changing industries and market conditions. Coal mining remained an essential industry, with large-scale mining operations sustaining the local economy for many years. In recent times, the county has diversified its economy, with a focus on tourism, agriculture, and Native American craftsmanship.

Cibola County's history is marked by the coexistence of diverse cultures, from the Native American tribes to the Spanish settlers and the modern-day communities. The county's heritage is celebrated through festivals, cultural events, and the preservation of historic sites. Today, Cibola County continues to thrive as a place that honors and embraces its rich history while embracing the future.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Cibola County, New Mexico.

  • 1539: Spanish explorer Francisco Vásquez de Coronado first explored the area that is now Cibola County
  • 1821: Mexico gains independence from Spain and the area becomes a part of Mexico
  • 1848: After the Mexican-American War, the area is ceded to the United States as part of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo
  • 1899: Cibola County is officially established as a county in the New Mexico Territory
  • 1930s: Construction of El Malpais National Monument and El Morro National Monument brings increased tourism to the area
  • 1985: Grants, the county seat, becomes a federally designated MainStreet Community
  • 1990: Mount Taylor, a significant landmark in the county, is designated as a National Historic Landmark