Historical Marker

María “Concha” Concepción Ortiz y Pino de Kleven (1910–2006)


“Concha” was a rancher and the first female Majority Whip of a state legislature in the nation. She helped implement legislation for women’s rights, the handicapped, and bilingual education and also championed the arts and Hispanic culture. She served on sixty local and national boards helping to improve the lives of others. Vista Magazine honored her as “Latina of the Century” in 1999

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 first European to visit what is now New Mexico was likely Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca, a Spanish explorer who traveled through the region in the early 16th century. However, it was not until the arrival of Juan de Oñate in 1598 that the Spanish established a permanent settlement in the area.
New Mexico random facts
Torrance County, New Mexico, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by indigenous people, including various tribes such as the Apache and Puebloan peoples. These native groups lived off the land and made use of the area's natural resources for survival.

The arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century marked a significant change in the history of Torrance County. Spanish explorers and settlers began to establish settlements, bringing with them their culture, language, and Catholic religion. This colonization period saw the introduction of livestock, agriculture, and the construction of missions in the area.

During the mid-19th century, a series of conflicts between the US government and Native American tribes, including the Apache, took place in the region. The establishment of military forts, such as Fort McRae, aimed to maintain control and protect settlers from potential attacks. These conflicts eventually came to an end, prompted by the forced relocation of Native American tribes to reservations.

In the 20th century, Torrance County saw significant development with the arrival of the railroad, which allowed for better transportation and economic growth. Towns such as Estancia and Moriarty became important hubs for commerce and trade. Agriculture, particularly livestock and dairy farming, has been a vital part of the county's economy throughout its history.

Today, Torrance County continues to thrive as a rural area with a strong agricultural tradition. It also benefits from its proximity to the Albuquerque metropolitan area, making it an attractive location for those seeking a quieter lifestyle while still enjoying access to city amenities. The county's history is celebrated and preserved through various museums, landmarks, and cultural events that honor its diverse past.

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

  • 1848 - The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo is signed, ending the Mexican-American War and establishing the United States' control over the territory that includes present-day Torrance County.
  • 1880 - The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway is extended through the area, leading to the development of new towns and settlements.
  • 1903 - Torrance County is officially established, named after U.S. Senator Thomas B. Catron's son Arthur Torrance Catron.
  • 1930s - During the Great Depression, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) establishes several camps in Torrance County to provide jobs and develop natural resources in the area.
  • 1942 - The U.S. Army establishes the Manzano Base, which later becomes the Kirtland Air Force Base, bringing economic growth and increased population to the county.
  • 1955 - The John F. Kennedy Space Center is established in Torrance County, playing a crucial role in the U.S. space program.
  • 1977 - The Very Large Array (VLA) radio astronomical observatory is constructed by the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in the county, attracting scientists and researchers from around the world.
  • 1996 - The New Mexico State Prison Riot takes place in Torrance County, resulting in the deaths of 33 inmates and the following years of investigation and legal proceedings.