Historical Marker

Elephant Butte Dam


Pueblo Indians irrigated and farmed the Rio Grande Valley for several hundred years before the Spaniards arrived and built acequias. Building the dam was the first large-scale effort to harness and control the Rio Grande, and its construction proved critical to the historic debate over interstate and international water use. Built between 1910—1916, Elephant Butte Dam when completed was the world’s second largest irrigation reservoir with a capacity of more than two million acre-feet of water. It revolutionized agricultural production in southern New Mexico. The dam irrigates 178,000 acres of land, aids in flood control, produces hydroelectric power, and created a park with boating, fishing, hiking, and camping facilities

Audiobooks about the history of New Mexico.
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.
New Mexico random facts
Sierra County, New Mexico, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Mogollon and Apache who thrived on the fertile land along the Rio Grande. These indigenous peoples left behind remnants of their culture, including rock art and ruins of their dwellings.

In the 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived in the area, seeking new territories to claim for Spain. They established missions and made contact with the local tribes, bringing Catholicism and European traditions to the region. During this time, silver mining became a significant industry in Sierra County, as explorers discovered abundant mineral deposits in the area. This brought an influx of settlers and led to the establishment of several mining towns, including Kingston and Chloride.

During the 19th century, Sierra County experienced significant growth and development due to the expanding railroad network. The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad extended its tracks into the area, leading to increased trade and economic prosperity. The town of Truth or Consequences (originally named Hot Springs) became a popular destination for tourists seeking the restorative properties of the local hot springs. The health resort industry boomed, drawing visitors from all over the country.

In the 20th century, Sierra County faced the challenges brought by the Great Depression and shifting industries. Mineral extraction and tourism declined, leading to economic hardship for the area. However, the construction of the Elephant Butte Dam on the Rio Grande in the 1930s brought major changes to the county. This irrigation project provided water for agriculture and recreation, transforming Sierra County into an agricultural hub and creating the Elephant Butte Reservoir, a popular spot for boating and fishing. Today, Sierra County continues to be an important agricultural and recreational region in New Mexico, showcasing its diverse history and natural beauty.

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

  • Prehistory - Evidence of ancestral Puebloan and Mogollon cultures
  • 16th Century - Exploration and colonization by Spanish conquistadors
  • 1821 - Mexican Independence from Spain
  • 1848 - Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo ends Mexican-American War, Sierra County becomes part of the United States
  • 1850 - New Mexico Territory established, Sierra County falls within its borders
  • 1882 - Elephant Butte Dam construction begins
  • 1916 - Elephant Butte Dam completed, creating Elephant Butte Reservoir
  • 1933 - Caballo Dam construction begins
  • 1938 - Caballo Dam completed, forming Caballo Reservoir
  • 1958 - Spaceport America founded in Sierra County
  • Today - Sierra County is known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and the Spaceport America facility