Hillsboro High School
a.k.a. Sierra County High School;Hillsboro Community Center;SR 1304
Jct. of Elenora St. and First Ave., SE corner, Hillsboro, NM Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1993.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
New Mexico was the birthplace of several famous figures in American history, including the outlaw Billy the Kid, the physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, and the astronaut Harrison Schmitt, who was one of the last men to walk on the moon.
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.
Sierra County Timeline
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