National Register Listing

Fort Sumner Community House

Jct. of US 84 and Baker Ave., Fort Sumner, NM
Local significance of the building:
Social History

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2003.

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.

architecture houses residential buildings
Audiobooks about the history of New Mexico.
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.
New Mexico random facts
De Baca County is located in the state of New Mexico in the United States. It was named after Ezequiel C. de Baca, New Mexico's first elected Hispanic governor. The county was officially established in 1917, becoming one of the last counties to be formed in the state. Before its establishment, the area was inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Jumano and Comanche peoples.

The county has a rich agricultural history. In the late 19th century, settlers began to establish homesteads and farms in the area. Water was a valuable resource, and farmers relied on irrigation from the Pecos River to support their crops. The construction of the Santa Fe Railroad in the early 20th century brought further development and opportunities for trade and transportation.

During the early years, De Baca County faced challenges brought by drought, which had a significant impact on the agricultural industry. However, the county's resilient residents adapted and found new ways to sustain their livelihoods. Cattle ranching became an important industry, and even today, ranching plays a vital role in the county's economy.

In recent years, De Baca County has faced declining population numbers, similar to many rural areas in the United States. However, efforts have been made to promote tourism and attract visitors to the area's natural attractions, such as Conchas Lake State Park. The county continues to honor its agricultural heritage and celebrates its history through annual events and festivals, showcasing the rich culture and traditions of its residents.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of De Baca County, New Mexico.

  • 1917 - De Baca County is established on February 28th, when a section of Guadalupe County is divided into three separate counties, including De Baca.
  • 1930s - During the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl affects De Baca County, leading to considerable economic hardships for its residents.
  • 1940s - World War II brings about changes in De Baca County, with many young men joining the military, while others support the war effort on the homefront.
  • 1950s - The economy of De Baca County begins to diversify, with the growth of agricultural and oil industries.
  • 1970s - The county experiences a decline in population as farming becomes more mechanized, leading to fewer job opportunities.
  • 1990s - De Baca County establishes the Kiwanis Park, providing recreational facilities for locals and visitors.
  • 2010s - The economy of De Baca County continues to rely on agriculture, oil and gas production, as well as tourism.