Historical Marker

Sadie Orchard (1860-1943)

Historical marker location:
NM Highway 152, Hillsboro, New Mexico
( southeast corner of NM Highway 152 and NM Highway 27)

Arriving in the silver mining boomtown of Kingston in 1886, Sadie Jane Creech Orchard is arguably the most colorful woman in New Mexico history. Sadie opened brothels, worked as a prostitute, built and operated hotels and restaurants, and co-owned and drove for a regional stagecoach line. During World War I she tended to the less fortunate, and in the 1918 flu pandemic nursed children and cared for the sick and dying. New Mexico writer Erna Fergusson wrote of her, “For a bad woman, Sadie was one of the best.”

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 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
Sierra County, New Mexico, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Mogollon and Apache who thrived on the fertile land along the Rio Grande. These indigenous peoples left behind remnants of their culture, including rock art and ruins of their dwellings.

In the 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived in the area, seeking new territories to claim for Spain. They established missions and made contact with the local tribes, bringing Catholicism and European traditions to the region. During this time, silver mining became a significant industry in Sierra County, as explorers discovered abundant mineral deposits in the area. This brought an influx of settlers and led to the establishment of several mining towns, including Kingston and Chloride.

During the 19th century, Sierra County experienced significant growth and development due to the expanding railroad network. The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad extended its tracks into the area, leading to increased trade and economic prosperity. The town of Truth or Consequences (originally named Hot Springs) became a popular destination for tourists seeking the restorative properties of the local hot springs. The health resort industry boomed, drawing visitors from all over the country.

In the 20th century, Sierra County faced the challenges brought by the Great Depression and shifting industries. Mineral extraction and tourism declined, leading to economic hardship for the area. However, the construction of the Elephant Butte Dam on the Rio Grande in the 1930s brought major changes to the county. This irrigation project provided water for agriculture and recreation, transforming Sierra County into an agricultural hub and creating the Elephant Butte Reservoir, a popular spot for boating and fishing. Today, Sierra County continues to be an important agricultural and recreational region in New Mexico, showcasing its diverse history and natural beauty.

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

  • Prehistory - Evidence of ancestral Puebloan and Mogollon cultures
  • 16th Century - Exploration and colonization by Spanish conquistadors
  • 1821 - Mexican Independence from Spain
  • 1848 - Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ends Mexican-American War, Sierra County becomes part of the United States
  • 1850 - New Mexico Territory established, Sierra County falls within its borders
  • 1882 - Elephant Butte Dam construction begins
  • 1916 - Elephant Butte Dam completed, creating Elephant Butte Reservoir
  • 1933 - Caballo Dam construction begins
  • 1938 - Caballo Dam completed, forming Caballo Reservoir
  • 1958 - Spaceport America founded in Sierra County
  • Today - Sierra County is known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and the Spaceport America facility