Nina Otero-Warren (1881–1965)
Historical marker location:Maria Adelina Isabel Emilia (Nina) Otero–Warren was born into two of New Mexico’s prominent Spanish colonial families near Los Lunas. A leader in New Mexico’s suffrage movement, in 1922 she was the first woman in state history to run for Congress. A political and social reformer, she worked as Santa Fe Public Schools Superintendent and for the WPA. In 1936, she wrote Old Spain in Our Southwest
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.
The arrival of Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century brought significant changes to the region. In 1598, Juan de Oñate led an expedition that established several Spanish settlements, including the construction of a fort called San Gabriel near present-day Los Lunas. The Spanish colonizers introduced their language, culture, and Catholic religion to the indigenous population.
During the 19th century, Valencia County experienced an influx of American settlers, primarily due to the Santa Fe Trail, which passed through the area. This led to the establishment of trading posts and increased interaction between the Native American tribes and the newcomers. The community of Belen was founded during this time as an important railroad stop and agricultural center.
Valencia County played a notable role during the early 20th century in the development of military aviation. In 1918, the US Army established the Valencia Flying School near Los Lunas to train pilots during World War I. The region's open spaces and favorable weather conditions made it an ideal location for aviation training. This military legacy continued with the establishment of the Kirtland Air Force Base near Albuquerque, which has had a significant economic and cultural impact on Valencia County.
In summary, Valencia County has a long and diverse history, from its indigenous origins to Spanish colonization, American settlement, and military aviation. Today, the county is known for its agricultural heritage, beautiful landscapes, and proximity to urban centers like Albuquerque.
Valencia County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Valencia County, New Mexico.
- 1692: Don Diego de Vargas reestablishes Spanish rule in the area, including Valencia County.
- 1821: Mexico gains independence from Spain, and Valencia County becomes part of the new Mexican territory.
- 1848: The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo is signed, ending the Mexican-American War. Valencia County becomes part of the United States' New Mexico Territory.
- 1876: Valencia County is officially established and named after the Valencia land grant.
- 1880s: The arrival of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway leads to increased settlement and economic growth in Valencia County.
- 1916: The town of Belen is incorporated, becoming the county seat of Valencia County.
- 1937: The Elephant Butte Dam on the Rio Grande is completed, creating Elephant Butte Lake and providing irrigation water for agriculture in Valencia County.
- 1942: The Los Lunas Decalogue Stone, a controversial stone with inscriptions resembling the Ten Commandments, is discovered near Los Lunas.
- 2021: Valencia County continues to thrive as a rural area with a growing population and a strong agricultural and ranching industry.