Historical Marker

Los Luceros Hacienda


Los Luceros was the headquarters of Sebastían Martín Serrano’s 1703 land grant, which ran five miles along the Rio Grande and 18 miles east to the peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Martín planted an extensive apple orchard that survives today on a former Tewa agricultural site. With Casa Grande—a rare two-story adobe with a double wraparound veranda—a chapel, jailhouse, Victorian cottage, and guesthouse, Los Luceros is one of a few surviving territorial haciendas in New Mexico. The Rio Arriba County Courthouse from 1846 to 1854, Wheelwright Museum founder Mary Cabot Wheelwright bought the dilapidated property in 1923 and remodeled it into a retreat for artists and writers of the period.

The state has a rich tradition of cowboy culture and rodeo, with many annual events celebrating this heritage. One of the most famous is the annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which features hundreds of hot air balloons and draws thousands of visitors each year.
New Mexico random facts
Rio Arriba County is located in northern New Mexico and has a rich and diverse history. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Pueblo and Navajo peoples. In the 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived in the region, establishing the first European settlements and bringing with them Catholicism. This period marked the beginning of the blending of Native American and Spanish cultures that is still prominent in Rio Arriba County today.

During the 19th century, Rio Arriba County played a significant role in the mining and ranching industries. The discovery of silver and gold in the area brought an influx of settlers, and towns like Chama and Tierra Amarilla saw rapid growth. Additionally, the county's fertile lands and favorable climate made it well-suited for ranching, leading to the development of large-scale cattle ranches. This period of economic growth and expansion shaped the county's economy and laid the foundation for its future development.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Rio Arriba County experienced challenges and conflicts. The county's proximity to the Mexican border made it a hotspot during the Mexican Revolution, leading to tensions and occasional violence. Additionally, the area was affected by the growth of federal policies that impacted Native American lands, including forced relocation and the division of tribal lands into individual allotments. These events significantly impacted the cultural and social fabric of Rio Arriba County.

In recent years, Rio Arriba County has faced various socio-economic issues, including poverty, drug abuse, and unemployment. Efforts to revitalize the area have focused on promoting tourism, preserving cultural heritage, and supporting sustainable development. Today, Rio Arriba County celebrates its rich history while working towards a more prosperous and vibrant future.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Rio Arriba County, New Mexico.

  • 1540: Spanish explorers led by Francisco Vásquez de Coronado arrive in the region.
  • 1598: Juan de Oñate establishes the first Spanish settlement in the area, known as San Gabriel.
  • 1821: Mexico gains independence from Spain, and the region becomes part of Mexico.
  • 1848: The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ends the Mexican-American War, and the area is ceded to the United States.
  • 1852: Rio Arriba County is officially established as a county in the territory of New Mexico.
  • 1860: The county seat is moved to Tierra Amarilla.
  • 1947: The state Supreme Court case, State of New Mexico v. Roy R. Thompson, addresses land grant issues in Rio Arriba County.
  • 1967: The iconic Ghost Ranch, a popular tourist destination, is donated to the Presbyterian Church.
  • 1970: The El Vado Dam is completed on the Chama River, creating El Vado Lake and providing recreational opportunities in the county.