Historical Marker

La Merced del Pueblo de Chilili

Chilili is named for an abandoned 16th century Indian pueblo located in this vicinity. In 1841, the Mexican government made a grant of land to several families who re-settled the pueblo. The grant was confirmed as a valid community land grant by the United States Congress in 1858 under provisions of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. The grant was patented in 1909 and is still operated cooperatively by an elected Board of Trustees.