San Miguel County, New Mexico

Acequia Madre Angel, Arturo, House Arthur, Charles and Lewis, E. N. House AT & SF Roundhouse Baca-Korte House Bean-Newlee House Bell Ranch Headquarters Bridge Street Historic District Building at 1202 9th Street Building at 1214 Bridge Building at 1406 Romero Building at 2005 Montezuma Clevenger, Lowery, House Conchas Dam Historic District Cook, James, House Distrito de las Escuelas Douglas Avenue School Douglas-Sixth Street Historic District Eldorado Hotel First Baptist Church Gatignole, Eugenio, House Glorieta Baldy Lookout Tower Glorieta Pass Battlefield Herrera, Esperansa, House House at 1007 11th Street House at 1025 Railroad House at 1114 10th House at 1116 Columbia House at 119 Railroad House at 12 Grand House at 1221 San Francisco House at 1513 8th House at 16 Grand House at 1616 8th House at 1717 8th House at 2203 New Mexico House at 2501 Taos Alley House at 309 Railroad House at 312 Tecolote House at 508 University House at 514 University House at 521 S. Pacific House at 613 Mora House at 618 Mora House at 733 Railroad House at 800 Pecos House at 810 Douglas House at 812 Douglas House at 814 Douglas House at 818 Douglas House at 821 12th House at 822 Douglas House at 913 2nd House at 915 2nd House at 919 2nd House at 919 Railroad House at 921 Chavez House at 921 S. Pacific House at 931 Prince House at 933 12th Ilfeld, Adele, Auditorium Ilfeld, Charles, Memorial Chapel Johnsen House Johnsen Mortuary King, Norman L., Memorial Stadium Las Vegas Municipal Building Las Vegas Plaza Las Vegas Railroad and Power Company Building Library Park Historic District Lincoln Park Historic District Lincoln Park Historic District (Boundary Increase) Montezuma Hotel Complex Nolan House North New Town Historic District Old Las Vegas Post Office Old Town Residential Historic District Our Lady of Sorrows Church Park Springs Ranch Headquarters Complex Pecos National Historical Park Pecos National Monument Pecos River Bridge at Terrero Pendaries Grist Mill Pimter-O'Neil Rooming House Presbyterian Mission Church Railroad Avenue Historic District Rogers Administration Building Salazar, Vidal and Elisa, House San Antonio de Padua Church San Geronimo Historic District San Miguel del Vado Historic District Santa Fe Trail-San Miguel County Trail Segments Schmitt-Laemmle House Serna-Blanchard House Shawn-Guerin House St. Anthony's Hospital Annex St. Paul's Memorial Episcopal Church and Guild Hall Sundt, M. M., House Taichert Building Taichert Warehouse Truder Park Trujillo-Gonzales House Variadero Bridge Ward, C. W. G., House

San Miguel County, located in the state of New Mexico, has a vibrant and rich history. The region was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Pueblo and Apache people, who lived off the land and thrived in the fertile valleys along the Pecos River.

European exploration of the area began in the late 16th century, with Spanish explorers venturing into what is now San Miguel County. The Spanish colonial period brought significant changes to the region, as settlers established haciendas and missions to colonize the land and convert the indigenous population to Christianity. The legacy of Spanish influence can still be seen today in the architecture and cultural traditions of San Miguel County.

In the 19th century, after Mexico gained independence from Spain, San Miguel County became part of the territory of Santa Fe. This era saw a wave of American trappers, traders, and settlers moving into the area. The Santa Fe Trail, a major trade route between Missouri and Santa Fe, crossed through San Miguel County, bringing increased commerce and cultural diversity to the region.

As the United States expanded westward, New Mexico became a territory and eventually a state. San Miguel County played a significant role in the fight for Mexican independence from Spain and the Mexican-American War. The Battle of Molino del Rey, an important conflict during the Mexican-American War, took place near San Miguel County, and the site serves as a reminder of the area's historical significance.

Today, San Miguel County continues to be a hub of cultural heritage, with its diverse population celebrating traditions from Native American, Spanish, and Mexican influences. The county is known for its picturesque landscapes, including the Sangre de Cristo Mountains and the Pecos National Historical Park, attracting visitors from around the world. With a rich past and a vibrant present, San Miguel County remains an important part of New Mexico's history and culture.
Brief timeline of the history of San Miguel County, New Mexico:

  • Prehistoric times - Native American tribes such as the Mogollon and Ancestral Puebloans inhabit the region.
  • 1581 - The Spanish Explorer Antonio de Espejo reaches the area, establishing the first European presence.
  • 1821 - Mexico gains independence from Spain, and San Miguel County becomes part of the newly formed country.
  • 1848 - The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ends the Mexican-American War, and San Miguel County becomes part of the United States.
  • 1849 - The County is officially established by the New Mexico Territorial Legislature.
  • 1880s - The arrival of the railroad leads to increased settlement and economic growth in the area.
  • 1894 - Las Vegas, the county seat, incorporates as a city.
  • 20th century - San Miguel County sees periods of prosperity and challenges, including the impacts of the Great Depression and changes in industrial and agricultural practices.
  • 1968 - The New Mexico Highlands University is established in Las Vegas.
  • 1984 - The historic Las Vegas Plaza is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
  • 2000s - San Miguel County continues to be a center for cultural preservation, outdoor recreation, and a growing art scene.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of San Miguel County, New Mexico.

Audiobooks about the history of New Mexico.