Historical Marker
Rodey
Historical marker location:
US 85, Hatch vicinity, New Mexico
( intersection of El Colorado St., 2 miles south of Hatch)
Rodey was first settled around 1865 and named Colorado after the red cliffs to the west. The name was changed to honor Bernard Shandon Rodey (1856-1927) an Irish immigrant who became a prominent New Mexican lawyer and legislator and who helped to create the state’s university system.
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.