Historical Marker

Jicarilla Apache Tribe (2)

Historical marker location:
US 64, Jicarilla Apache Reservation; Dulce, New Mexico
( east of Dulce; north side of highway)

The Jicarilla Apaches, primarily a hunting and gathering group, once occupied vast portions of northeastern New Mexico and southern Colorado. Pressure from Comanche Indians and European settlers eventually pushed them from their homeland. In 1887, the Jicarillas were given a permanent reservation in north-central New Mexico, near Dulce. Present day (1989) size of the reservation is 842,315 acres. The northern one-half of the reservation was established by Presidential Executive Order in 1887 and the southern one-half in 1907. New additions to the reservation are the El Poso Ranch in 1982 and the Thesis Ranch in 1986

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
Rio Arriba County is located in northern New Mexico and has a rich and diverse history. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Pueblo and Navajo peoples. In the 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived in the region, establishing the first European settlements and bringing with them Catholicism. This period marked the beginning of the blending of Native American and Spanish cultures that is still prominent in Rio Arriba County today.

During the 19th century, Rio Arriba County played a significant role in the mining and ranching industries. The discovery of silver and gold in the area brought an influx of settlers, and towns like Chama and Tierra Amarilla saw rapid growth. Additionally, the county's fertile lands and favorable climate made it well-suited for ranching, leading to the development of large-scale cattle ranches. This period of economic growth and expansion shaped the county's economy and laid the foundation for its future development.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Rio Arriba County experienced challenges and conflicts. The county's proximity to the Mexican border made it a hotspot during the Mexican Revolution, leading to tensions and occasional violence. Additionally, the area was affected by the growth of federal policies that impacted Native American lands, including forced relocation and the division of tribal lands into individual allotments. These events significantly impacted the cultural and social fabric of Rio Arriba County.

In recent years, Rio Arriba County has faced various socio-economic issues, including poverty, drug abuse, and unemployment. Efforts to revitalize the area have focused on promoting tourism, preserving cultural heritage, and supporting sustainable development. Today, Rio Arriba County celebrates its rich history while working towards a more prosperous and vibrant future.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Rio Arriba County, New Mexico.

  • 1540: Spanish explorers led by Francisco Vásquez de Coronado arrive in the region.
  • 1598: Juan de Oñate establishes the first Spanish settlement in the area, known as San Gabriel.
  • 1821: Mexico gains independence from Spain, and the region becomes part of Mexico.
  • 1848: The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ends the Mexican-American War, and the area is ceded to the United States.
  • 1852: Rio Arriba County is officially established as a county in the territory of New Mexico.
  • 1860: The county seat is moved to Tierra Amarilla.
  • 1947: The state Supreme Court case, State of New Mexico v. Roy R. Thompson, addresses land grant issues in Rio Arriba County.
  • 1967: The iconic Ghost Ranch, a popular tourist destination, is donated to the Presbyterian Church.
  • 1970: The El Vado Dam is completed on the Chama River, creating El Vado Lake and providing recreational opportunities in the county.