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Questa, New Mexico

Questa is a village in Taos County, New Mexico, United States. The population was 1,770 at the 2010 census. The village has trails into the Rio Grande Gorge, trout fishing, and mountain lakes with trails that access the Sangre de Cristo Mountains that overlook the area. Questa is on the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, near the confluence of the Rio Grande and the Red River. The "Gateway to the Rio Grande del Norte Monument", its visitors can drive to an overlook of the Red River meeting the Rio Grande in the depth of the gorge. The Carson National Forest parallels Questa to the east. The Columbine Hondo Wilderness and Latir Peak Wildness are in the Carson National Forest close to Questa.

With a large Hispanic population, the village economy was historically largely dependent on agriculture and income from a now-closed Chevron molybdenum mine. Many residents also commute to Taos, Red River, and Angel Fire to work in the hospitality industries there.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 5.1 sqmi, all land. The village is a regional hub for the smaller outlying communities of Lama, Cerro, Sunshine Valley, Latir, Costilla, and Amalia. Questa is surrounded by the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument to the west and the Carson National Forest to the East.

Questa lies at the western base of the Taos Mountains, part of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Rising above the town to the northeast is the Latir Peak massif, headed by Venado Peak, 12734 ft; Pinabete Peak, a southwestern outlier of the group, rises closest to Questa. To the southeast lies Flag Mountain, a northwestern spur of the group of mountains that includes Wheeler Peak, the highest peak in New Mexico. To the north and west lie the Rio Grande Gorge, cutting a volcanic plateau dotted with several peaks of volcanic origin in the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument.

History
Questa was originally named San Antonio del Rio Colorado. In 1883, a U.S. postmaster changed its name to Questa. The postmaster misspelled the name, as it should have been spelled "Cuesta," which is Spanish for "ridge" or "slope." Despite the error, the village has kept the name.

The Oshara tradition dated to about 3000 BCE is the first known archaelogical evidence of Native American (Indians) residence near Questa. The Oshara were possibly the ancestors of the present day Pueblo peoples. A later trade route, called the "Kiowa Trail" or the Taos Mountain Trail, ran through Questa and connected the agricultural Pueblo peoples in New Mexico to the bison-hunting Plains Indians on the Great Plains of Colorado.. The first Spaniards to visit the area were members of the Coronado expedition who visited Taos Pueblo, 20 mi south of Questa, in 1540.

The Spanish settlement of Don Fernando de Taos adjacent to Taos Pueblo was founded about 1615. Thereafter, Spanish expeditions and hunters and miners probably visited the Questa area although the first documented visit by the Spanish was not until July 1694. In that year, Governor Diego de Vargas led an expedition northward from Santa Fe in search of food for the destitute Spanish colony. Vargas confiscated grain from several Pueblo villages, but on arriving in Taos, decided to return to Santa Fe via a roundabout route northward to avoid conflict with the Puebloans. Vargas and his expedition of 100 men passed by the future site of Questa along the "Rio Colorado" (Red River of New Mexico). He noted that the area was inhabited by the "Apaches de Acho". Utes, who were hostile to the Spanish, also lived nearby. Bison were plentiful in the region. The hostility of the Ute and Apache -- and later the Comanche -- prevented Spanish expansion northward from Taos to Questa.

The site of Questa was first called Rio Colorado. Concerned about encroachments by French and American fur trappers and traders, the Spaniards established a short-lived military post at the Rio Colorado in about 1815. In the same year a land grant from the Governor of New Mexico granted 50 families permission to establish a settlement at Rio Colorado. In 1817, the military in Rio Colorado refused entry into New Mexico and arrested French/American traders Auguste Pierre Chouteau and Jules de Mun and confiscated their goods. By 1822, the settlement was abandoned "for feer of the Indeans now at War With them."

Mexican independence from Spain 1821 resulted in a more tolerant attitude toward Americans by the New Mexican government. By 1829, Rio Colorado had been resettled, mostly by Hispanics but also by a few French/Americans. The New Mexican government encouraged settlement on its frontiers by land grants to Mexican citizens (which included many of Anglo and French descent). Large grants of land were made to prospective settlers in 1836 and 1841 and the town of San Antonio del Rio Colorado was legally established in 1842.

New Mexico became part of the United States after the Mexican-American War from 1846 to 1848. Indian raids in the area continued until the 1860s. The location of the village astride ancient trade, raiding, and hunting routes, made resource-based conflict between cultures inevitable. Additionally, the village location blocked access to certain historic clay and pigment quarries of ceremonial importance to the Taos tribe. This continued conflict led to the village being repeatedly abandoned. Spanish, Mexican, and eventually American soldiers detailed to defend the beleaguered settlement frequently expressed great frustration with their posting.

The names of two prominent peaks overlooking the village of Questa, Flag Mountain and Sentinel Peak, refer to the practice during this period of stationing watchmen on these high points to warn the village of approaching war parties.

The village, nearly from the beginning, was of mixed blood; the surnames Lafore or Laforet, Ledoux, and LaCome reflect the names of French or French-Canadian trappers who settled in the area after arriving in search of otter and beaver. New Mexico territory license records list Auguste Lacome as residing in the area as a trader with the surrounding Native Americans. The common surname Rael may also reflect the influence of Jewish immigrants arriving after being expelled from Spain. The village had a reputation for being contentious and requiring disproportionate effort to police; records show that viceregal intervention was frequently required to settle property disputes.

Arts and culture
The Historic San Antonio del Rio Colorado Church is in the historic plaza of Questa, present since the mid-1800s. After a collapse of the west wall in Questa's historic church, the community is restoring it. Made with adobe and woodwork, it was scheduled to be completed mid-2016.

Questa has Ocho, an art gallery and event space.

Event series
Questa has a summer event series that celebrates art, youth, and the environment in special sub-themed events, including Mud Bogg, the Questa Fiesta, and Alumbra de Questa.

Parks and recreation
Questa has two local parks: the Municipal Park and the Moly Park. The Moly Park contains public athletic fields. Surrounding Questa are the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument and the Carson National Forest. Outside Questa's Village limits is Eagle Rock Lake. The Red River is currently undergoing restoration to improve trout habitat, with the section parallel to Eagle Rock Lake complete. Cabresto Lake features hiking trails to mountaintop lakes in the Latir Peaks Wilderness. In the Rio Grande del Norte National Monument are two popular locations: the La Junta Overlook, where the Rio Grande and the Red River come together over 800 feet below, and the Big Arsenic Trail containing petroglyphs and a natural spring.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,767 people, 741 households, and 512 families residing in the village. The population density was 365.0 PD/sqmi. There were 888 housing units at an average density of 173.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 50.16% White, 0.11% African American, 0.70% Native American, 0.05% Asian, 0.11% Pacific Islander, 43.40% from other races, and 5.47% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 80.53% of the population.

There were 741 households, out of which 35.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.3% were married couples living together, 13.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.8% were non-families. 26.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 3.02.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 28.0% under the age of 18, 7.4% from 18 to 24, 26.3% from 25 to 44, 25.4% from 45 to 64, and 12.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.3 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $23,448, and the median income for a family was $30,000. Males had a median income of $26,667 versus $20,000 for females. The per capita income for the village was $13,303. About 20.7% of families and 24.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 29.8% of those under age 18 and 20.4% of those age 65 or over.

Economy

The Chevron Questa molybdenum mine, 9 mi from Questa, was the largest private employer in Taos County. The mine opened in 1916 as the R&S Molybdenum mine. It was purchased by Molycorp Minerals in 1950 and became a subsidiary of Chevron in 2005. Formerly an open pit excavation, the Chevron Questa mine operated as an underground mine from 1982. Economic conditions that affect the mine resulted in a 54 percent cut in personnel in February 2009, which primarily impacted the residents of Questa. On June 2, 2014, Chevron Mining announced the immediate and permanent closure of the mine due to continuing low molybdenum prices and high operating costs. The mine was employing about 300 people at the time of the shutdown. The mine employs about 150 people on work related to reclamation and remediation, either directly or through its contractors.

Agriculture, especially the cultivation of alfalfa, hay, and winter wheat, has experienced renewed interest along with the expansion of agriculture to historic crops and crops of high value. Agriculture in Questa is strongly dependent on irrigation, supplied from the Red River and Cabresto Creek. The system of ditches or acequias that supplies water to the fields is of great community and social importance; the burning of the ditches on the first weekend after the vernal equinox is a major community event. Two major 'ditch associations' control the distribution of water by controlling the outflow from the Cabresto Lake dam: the Acequia Madre and the Llano ditch.

Historically, sheep were raised in and around Questa, but they have been replaced by cattle. Cattle are grazed on the plains north and west of town during the winter and spring, then moved west to the other side of the Rio Grande in early June, usually driven across the "Sheep Crossing" ford by riders on horseback.

Increasingly, the traditional economy based on agriculture, livestock, handicrafts (particularly wooden religious carvings known as santos), wood gathering, and honey is failing to meet the financial needs of the populace of Questa. Some locals blame the rising cost on the influx of celebrities and affluent Anglos to the Taos area driving up land and home prices, but for whatever cause an increasing number of Questeños commute to work in Red River, Taos, and Angel Fire.

Questa has developed as a tourist destination. With the Historic San Antonio del Rio Colorado Church, Rio Grande del Norte National Monument, Eagle Rock Lake, and the Carson National Forest several avenues for tourism based economic opportunities have taken shape and continue to grow based on the previous and to be expanded tourist activities.

Education
Questa Independent School System is the local school district. It operates two schools: Alta Vista Elementary & Intermediate School, and Questa Junior & Senior High School.

Roots and Wings Community school, an Expeditionary Learning School, is near Questa in the Lama area.

Government
Questa is a municipal government founded in 1842. The Village of Questa is governed by a mayor, currently John Ortega, and a four-member Village Council who have 4-year staggered terms.

Major highways
Questa's village center has the two major New Mexico State Highways: 522 and 38. State Highway 522 heads south to Taos and north to the Colorado border. State Highway 38 connects Questa to Red River and Eagle Nest as part of the Enchanted Circle.

Transportation
Questa is serviced by the North Central RTD's Blue Bus service which provides free service to Red River and Taos during commuting hours. For air travel the Questa Municipal Airport Nr 2, owned by the Village of Questa, is available.

Utilities
The Water/Sewer Department of the Village of Questa operates water and sewer for the Questa Area. Kit Carson Electric Cooperative, Inc. supplies electricity and is in the process of implementing a fiber optic project in Taos County.

Healthcare
Presbyterian Medical Services' Questa Health Clinic provides medical, dental, and behavioral health care for Questa and the surrounding area. The Holy Cross Hospital in Taos is the nearest hospital to Questa at roughly 30 mi from the Village.

title: Questa, New Mexico


text:
Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico

Ranchos de Taos is a census-designated place (CDP) in Taos County, New Mexico. The population was 2,390 at the time of the 2000 census.

The historic district is the Ranchos de Taos Plaza, which includes the San Francisco de Asis Mission Church.

History
In 1725, the settlement that was originally called Las Trampas de Taos became the permanent Spanish settlement called Ranchos de Taos. In 1760 Ranchos de Taos, also called Taos "Old Town", was attacked by Comanche Native Americans who took 50 women from a fortified house, the home of the Vidalpando family, and killed the men of the settlement.

Spanish settlers of the Taos Valley moved into the Taos Pueblo for safety from attacks from Plains Indians. In 1772 a mission church was begun. Between 1796 and 1797, land from the Don Fernando de Taos Land Grant was given to 63 Spanish families. In 1815 the San Francisco de Asis Mission Church was completed. The Taos region population grew as the result of land grants made by Mexico between 1821 and 1846.

Geography
Ranchos de Taos is located approximately four miles southwest of Taos.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 3.4 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 2,390 people, 984 households, and 619 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 705.9 PD/sqmi. There were 1,083 housing units at an average density of 319.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 62.34% White, 0.17% African American, 1.88% Native American, 0.46% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 31.97% from other races, and 3.10% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 75.31% of the population.

There were 984 households, out of which 32.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.2% were married couples living together, 14.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.0% were non-families. 30.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.43 and the average family size was 3.05.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 25.8% under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 28.2% from 25 to 44, 26.7% from 45 to 64, and 11.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 89.6 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $28,750, and the median income for a family was $32,045. Males had a median income of $23,750 versus $18,382 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $20,988. About 13.8% of families and 15.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 22.6% of those under age 18 and 4.7% of those age 65 or over.

Education
It is within Taos Municipal Schools, which operates Ranchos Elementary School in the community. Its secondary schools were Taos Middle School and Taos High School.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Ranchos de Taos, New Mexico


text:
Red River, New Mexico

Red River is a resort town in Taos County, New Mexico, US in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The population was 542 at the 2020 census. Red River is on the Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, and is 36 mi from Taos.

History
Prior to the arrival of European-Americans, the area now occupied by Red River was used as a summer hunting ground by the Jicarilla Apache and Utes, who hunted big horn sheep, mule deer, elk, Mountain cottontail, and mallards, amongst other species.

The town of Red River had its beginnings late in the 19th century, when miners from nearby Elizabethtown in the Moreno Valley were drawn in by gold strikes in the area and trappers sought game. It was named after the perennial stream, Red River, that flows through the town, coming from the northern slopes of Wheeler Peak. By 1895, Red River was a booming mining camp, with gold, silver and copper in some abundance, and a population estimated at three thousand. Mining hit its peak in 1897, and by 1905 the mining and the population dwindled but the town survived, gaining a reputation as a great getaway from hot weather and as a trout fishing paradise. The last serious mining efforts extended until 1931. By that time tourism had become the principal economic livelihood.

In 2019, the Christmas tree displayed at the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. was harvested in Red River.

Geography
Red River is located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, part of the southern Rocky Mountains, and is surrounded by the Carson National Forest.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 1.0 sqmi, all land.

The Enchanted Circle Scenic Byway, also known as New Mexico Route 38, passes through Red River.

Demographics

As of the census of 2000, there were 484 people, 234 households, and 138 families residing in the town. The population density was 474.9 PD/sqmi. There were 880 housing units at an average density of 863.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 92.56% White, 1.03% Native American, 3.72% from other races, and 2.69% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 9.30% of the population.

There were 234 households, out of which 20.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.6% were married couples living together, 5.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 40.6% were non-families. 32.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.07 and the average family size was 2.60.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 16.7% under the age of 18, 7.0% from 18 to 24, 27.1% from 25 to 44, 35.5% from 45 to 64, and 13.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 45 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 98.5 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $31,667, and the median income for a family was $39,792. Males had a median income of $31,667 versus $19,750 for females. The per capita income for the town was $17,883. About 5.4% of families and 9.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.4% of those under age 18 and none of those age 65 or over.

Climate
Red River has a humid continental climate (Dfb), bordering on a subarctic climate (Dfc) with four seasons. Summertime is very warm with refreshingly cool nights, and winter is cold, but not extremely cold, with massive amounts of snowfall for New Mexico, averaging 156.7 in a year.

Economy
The main industry in Red River is tourism. Red River is located at the base of the Red River Ski Area, located 8,750 feet above sea level in the southern Rocky Mountains. Winter activities include skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling. In summertime, visitors can hike, bike, fish, and ride horseback in the mountains. The town is serviced by a bus system which provides access into the upper valley.

An annual Red River Memorial Motorcycle Rally has been held in the town for many years, attended by tens of thousands.

Education
It is in the Questa Independent Schools school district. In 1983, 12 children in Red River, including two in high school, attended the schools they were zoned to in Questa, while the remaining 68 children attended other schools. 32 of the students were enrolled at Taos Christian Academy. 32 went to Cimarron Municipal Schools, with 22 going to the Eagle Nest elementary school and 10 to the Cimarron secondary school. Some parents speaking to The Taos News felt that the Questa schools were not academically strong. John Hanron of The Taos News stated that the fact that many Red River parents did not use Questa schools made it less likely that the Questa district would build a school in Red River.

title: Red River, New Mexico


text:
Rio Lucio, New Mexico

Rio Lucio is a census-designated place (CDP) in Taos County, New Mexico, United States. The population was 379 at the 2000 census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 1.1 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 379 people, 146 households, and 115 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 354.8 PD/sqmi. There were 187 housing units at an average density of 175.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 35.36% White, 3.43% Native American, 55.94% from other races, and 5.28% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 93.40% of the population.

There were 146 households, out of which 36.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.0% were married couples living together, 21.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.2% were non-families. 20.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.60 and the average family size was 2.94.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 26.6% under the age of 18, 7.7% from 18 to 24, 26.1% from 25 to 44, 24.8% from 45 to 64, and 14.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.1 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $24,107, and the median income for a family was $22,292. Males had a median income of $23,393 versus $20,375 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $11,827. About 17.9% of families and 21.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 36.9% of those under age 18 and 26.3% of those age 65 or over.

Education
The community is in the Peñasco Independent School District.

title: Rio Lucio, New Mexico


text:
Taos Pueblo, New Mexico

Taos Pueblo is a census-designated place (CDP) in Taos County, New Mexico, United States, just north of Taos. The population was 1,264 at the 2000 census.

Geography
Taos Pueblo is located at 36.44861°N, -105.55389°W (36.448735, -105.553979). Rio Pueblo de Taos passes through Taos Pueblo.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 15.6 square miles (40.5 km$2$), all land.

Culture and history
Taos Pueblo is the only living Native American community designated both a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and a National Historic Landmark.

The multi-storied Taos Pueblo adobe buildings have been continuously inhabited for over 1000 years.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,264 people, 441 households, and 316 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 80.9 PD/sqmi. There were 682 housing units at an average density of 43.6 /sqmi.

The racial makeup of the CDP was 2.93% White, 95.02% Native American, 0.40% Pacific Islander, 0.32% from other races, and 1.34% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino people of any race were 4.11% of the population.

Age
There were 441 households, out of which 29.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 39.0% were married couples living together, 20.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.3% were non-families. 25.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.87 and the average family size was 3.39.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 26.1% under the age of 18, 8.5% from 18 to 24, 28.8% from 25 to 44, 22.1% from 45 to 64, and 14.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 102.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 103.0 males.

Income
The median income for a household in the CDP was $20,682, and the median income for a family was $23,867. Males had a median income of $19,861 versus $18,333 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $10,002. About 27.4% of families and 31.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 36.3% of those under age 18 and 38.0% of those age 65 or over.

Education
It is within Taos Municipal Schools, which operates Taos High School.

The Bureau of Indian Education-operated Taos Day School is in Taos Pueblo.

title: Taos Pueblo, New Mexico


text:
Talk:Common Era

}}

Yes, but what does it mean?
As of this date, 2022-10-01, this article does not explain what BCE and CE actually mean. It's a history of the terms' usage, but the article assumes that people reading this article already understand what BCE and CE are. I was looking for a clear explanation of what BCE is -- how it is used, what that number means, how a given date is calculated, etc. — Preceding unsigned comment added by 205.220.233.223 (talk) 16:52, 1 October 2022 (UTC)
 * It means the calendar era commonly used today. Do Common Era and Before the Common Era are alternatives to the Anno Domini (AD) and Before Christ (BC) notations used by Dionysius Exiguus and Since the later 20th century, CE and BCE have become popular in academic and scientific publications because BCE and CE are religiously neutral terms not explain that sufficiently? --𝕁𝕄𝔽 (talk) 21:08, 1 October 2022 (UTC)

CE/BCE are also abbreviations for Christian Era/Before Christian Era
Given that CE and BCE are also abbreviations for Christian Era and Before Christian Era respectively, it would be better to include clarifying notes at the beginning of the article, near CE an BCE, stating that they are also used as abbreviations for Christian Era and Before Christian Era.

Ref: CE | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary CE Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary

BCE | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary BCE Definition & Meaning | Britannica Dictionary EXANXC (talk) 14:57, 29 September 2023 (UTC)
 * No, it would just be clutter. This article is "Common Era". It is not CE (disambiguation). (The latter explicitly includes Christian Era as one of it possible interpretations.) CE does not redirect here. To put your proposal in context, an equivalent proposal would require the Anno Domini article to have a hat note explaining that AD is just one way of denoting years our current era according to the Gregorian calendar and that Common Era is the other. --𝕁𝕄𝔽 (talk) 15:58, 29 September 2023 (UTC)
 * I think it's confusing for JMF to use the link "CE (disambiguation)" when that is merely a redirect to "CE", which is indeed a disambiguation page. The page "CE" does not contain the word "Christian". Jc3s5h (talk) 16:25, 29 September 2023 (UTC)
 * Yes, it is – I gave way to the system nagging me for attempting to use an ambiguous term.
 * Also my mistake: I was certain that the CE article mentioned Christian Era but I was wrong, it did not: it does now because I've added it. (* "Christian Era", better known as Anno Domini.)
 * My objection stands, notwithstanding these details. --𝕁𝕄𝔽 (talk) 17:53, 29 September 2023 (UTC)
 * No matter what new term is used to exclude the Lord Jesus Christ from history, time is still defined as before and after this, the most important life and event in history of mankind, Salvation and Peace are His alone. 2603:8081:8DF0:9560:4804:BD3D:4BD4:EC8D (talk) 22:10, 5 October 2023 (UTC)
 * OK AntiDionysius (talk) 22:12, 5 October 2023 (UTC)
 * But no, time is not defined by that event. Time existed long before this solar system was formed and will continue long after it has been destroyed. Counting of years in the AD/CE era begins from a moment about five years after the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. This era and its epoch is just one of many: that this one has become the de facto standard civil calendar worldwide is due to economic reasons not religious ones. The CE notation is not "chosen to exclude" your Lord; merely that people of other faiths (and none) have other Lords and choose not to give precedence to your choice. Rather less than one third of the world population are Christian. No-one is stopping you from using AD, no-one is compelling you to use CE. Wikipedia's policy on the topic is given at Manual of Style/Dates and numbers. --𝕁𝕄𝔽 (talk) 10:29, 16 October 2023 (UTC)
 * That's all fine - except for the logic: the "C" could mean both "Christian" and "Common" - with or without the following "E". So it is not logical but a convention to change the meaning of the "C" to "Common" by adding the "E". However, the ISO requires simply using the minus sign for "BC" anyway, thus avoiding the "C" altogether.HJJHolm (talk) 05:36, 2 January 2024 (UTC)
 * Again, this article is Common Era, not CE. The $⟨E⟩$ abbreviates era. q.v.. No-one 'changed' the C from 'Christian' to 'Common', if anything the reverse is more likely. As is explained in detail the article, the original phrase was Vulgar Era, meaning 'common era' in modern English. In the last couple of centuries, the word "vulgar" changed meaning from "of the common people" to "rude" (another word that has changed meaning!). Finally and most importantly, Wikipedia describes reality as it is, warts and all, logical or otherwise; if you want a sanitised echo-chamber, try Conservapedia. --𝕁𝕄𝔽 (talk) 12:14, 2 January 2024 (UTC)
 * The International Organization for Standardization, short form ISO, has many standards about dates, and each of those has gone through may revisions. Unless you give the number and edition of the standard you are thinking of, your statement about ISO cannot be verified. Also, ISO doesn't require anything. It offers voluntary standards which people and organizations can adopt, or not. Jc3s5h (talk) 17:40, 2 January 2024 (UTC)

"Earliest found" aka Original research?
I've been cleaning up some very poorly written "citations" (like Title=First recorded use [!]). There are plenty more to do, mañana. But I'm concerned that the material I'm correcting reads to me like a WP:OR analysis of primary sources. "Earliest found" appears to be "the earliest that the contributing editor found. We really need to replace this with a secondary RS that makes the analysis. Anyone? 𝕁𝕄𝔽 (talk) 20:33, 28 November 2023 (UTC)
 * I have WP:WEASELed "is" to "may be". --𝕁𝕄𝔽 (talk) 17:29, 29 November 2023 (UTC)

Cleanup continues

 * After cleaning out another "citation", I have decided to delete this, since it proves nothing either way: In 1856, Rabbi and historian Morris Jacob Raphall used the abbreviations C.E. and B.C.E. in his book Post-Biblical History of The Jews.  If anyone disagrees, please explain. --𝕁𝕄𝔽 (talk) 17:29, 29 November 2023 (UTC)

title: Talk:Common Era


text:
Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico

Taos Ski Valley is a village and alpine ski resort in the southwestern United States, located in Taos County, New Mexico. The population was 69 at the 2010 census. Until March 19, 2008, it was one of four ski resorts in America to prohibit snowboarding. The Kachina lift, constructed in 2014, serves one of the highest elevations of any triple chair in North America, to a peak of 12481 ft above sea level.

History
The village was originally settled by a group of miners in the 1800s, but in 1955, Ernie and Rhoda Blake founded the area as a ski mountain. The village was incorporated in 1996.

In 2013, Taos Ski Valley, Inc., was sold by the founding family to billionaire conservationist Louis Bacon. It has 110 trails with 24% beginner, 25% intermediate, and 51% advanced/expert. The Ernie Blake Snowsports School is one of the highest rated ski schools in North America. In the 1800s, present-day Taos Ski Valley was the site of a small copper mining town called Twining, New Mexico, though it was later abandoned. Present day Taos Ski Valley was founded in 1955 by Ernie and Rhoda Blake. They lived in an eleven-foot camper in the absence of any buildings in the area except almost-completed Hondo Lodge (now Snakedance Condominiums). Even after moving into the lodge, they lived without power until 1963. Ernie and Rhoda had been living in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Ernie was managing the Santa Fe Ski Basin.

The first ski lift, a J-bar, was installed in 1956. Until 1957, the ski resort featured only one ski slope, Snakedance. In 1957, the resort installed a second lift—a Poma (platter) lift. Blake was for a time involved in the day-to-day management of the resort, answering the phone and telling prospective visitors whether the skiing was expected to be good in advance of weekend trips.

In December 2013, the billionaire Louis Bacon purchased Taos Ski Valley from the Blake family, who had owned it since 1954.

In 2018, Taos Ski Valley, Inc. started Taos Air, a virtual airline which operated scheduled public air charter service at Taos Regional Airport during ski season. Summer flights were added in 2021. Taos Air ceased using its own brand identity in December 2022 when flight operations were transferred to JSX, and it effectively terminated operations permanently in April 2024 when Taos Ski Valley allowed its airline service contract with the town of Taos to expire.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 2.4 sqmi, all land.

Taos Ski Valley is one of the highest municipalities in the US, sited at an elevation of 9321 ft; however, the village limits reach 12581 ft and the highest residential dwelling is at 10350 ft. Kachina Village, also at over 10,350 feet, houses Bavarian Restaurant and two condo complexes and accommodates six permanent residents and visitors in 30 condo units; 70–80 home sites are planned for development. Wheeler Peak, the tallest mountain in New Mexico at 13161 ft, overlooks the village.

The village is completely surrounded by Carson National Forest, including bordering designated wilderness.

Climate
Taos Ski Valley receives around 300 inches (762 cm) a year. Taos Powderhorn is a SNOTEL weather station situated in the Taos Valley ski resort, near Kachina peak, at an elevation of 11057 feet (3370m). Taos Powderhorn has a subalpine climate (Köppen Dfc).

Economy
Tourism is the village's main industry. As of the 2011–2012 season Taos Ski Valley Corporation employed approximately 700 people during winter months. In an average year $47 million are spent in the local economy of Taos Ski Valley. About $12 million is from ski operations alone. The community is a popular summer and fall vacation destination. In 2005, 55 businesses operated in Taos Ski Valley. Lodging options include hotels, private home rentals, condominiums and alpine styled bed and breakfasts. The town of Taos, located 30 minutes drive down the canyon, provides year-round services.

Demographics
As of the 2010 census, the Village held 69 people and 272 housing units, with only 14.3% occupied. From 2000 to 2010 population increased 23.2%. The population density was 28.75 PD/sqmi. The racial makeup was 75.4% White and 24.6% Hispanic or Latino.

In 2000, 12.5% of 32 households had children under the age of 18 living with them, 37.5% were married couples living together, while 59.4% were non-families. 46.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 1.75 and the average family size was 2.46.

Only 4.3% were under age 18, 5.4% from 18 to 24, 33.9% from 25 to 44, 50.0% from 45 to 64, and 1.8% who were 65 years or older. The median age was 47 years. For every 100 females, there were 166.7 males. The ratio of males to females was 1.66.

The median household income was $67,708, and the median income for a family was $103,422. Males had a median income of $65,833 versus $24,375 for females. The per capita income for the village was $43,143. None of the population were below the poverty line.

Education
Almost all of the CDP is within Taos Municipal Schools, with a very small remainder in Questa Independent Schools. The former operates Taos High School.

title: Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico


text:
Vadito, New Mexico

Vadito is a census-designated place (CDP) in southern Taos County, New Mexico, United States. It is on the scenic High Road to Taos. The population was 270 at the 2010 census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 0.9 square mile (2.2 km$2$), all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2010, there were 270 people, 108 households, and 74 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 300.0 PD/sqmi. There were 133 housing units at an average density of 147.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the CDP was 60.0% White, 0.7% Native American, 28.5% from other races, and 10.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 92.2% of the population.

There were 108 households, out of which 31.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.2% were married couples living together, 15.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.5% were non-families. 25.0% of all households were made up of lone individuals with almost half, 12.0%, being 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.50 and the average family size was 3.01. The percentage of renters was only 15.7%, with the rest of the householders owning their own homes. 18.8% of the available housing was vacant.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 26.3% aged 19 and under, 22.2% from 20 to 39, 29.6% from 40 to 59, and 24.4% who were 60 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. The median age for females was 3.5 years older than males. For every 100 females, there were 97.1 males.

, the median income for a household in the CDP was $16,875, and the median income for a family was $20,625. Males had a median income of $31,875 versus $4,375 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $9,481. About 41.1% of families and 35.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 52.8% of those under the age of eighteen and 8.1% of those 65 or over.

Education
The community is in the Peñasco Independent School District.

title: Vadito, New Mexico


text:
Encino, New Mexico

Encino is a village in Torrance County, New Mexico, United States. The population was 51 at the 2020 census. It is part of the Albuquerque Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 2.0 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 94 people, 43 households, and 27 families residing in the village. The population density was 47.2 PD/sqmi. There were 70 housing units at an average density of 35.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 56.38% White, 42.55% from other races, and 1.06% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 80.85% of the population.

There were 43 households, out of which 30.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.5% were married couples living together, 9.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 34.9% were non-families. 27.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.19 and the average family size was 2.68.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 17.0% under the age of 18, 4.3% from 18 to 24, 25.5% from 25 to 44, 31.9% from 45 to 64, and 21.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 46 years. For every 100 females, there were 108.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over there were 105.3 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $22,679, and the median income for a family was $28,250. Males had a median income of $29,375 versus $22,083 for females. The per capita income for the village was $12,191. 2.2% of the population lives below the poverty line, including no families or anyone under 18 or over 64.

Education
Vaughn Municipal Schools is the local school district.

title: Encino, New Mexico


text:
Estancia, New Mexico

Estancia is a town in Torrance County, New Mexico, United States. As of the 2020 census, the town population was 1,242. It is the county seat of Torrance County.

Estancia is part of the Albuquerque Metropolitan Statistical Area.

History
Estancia is shown as a town “destroyed by enemies” (nomadic Indians) on a famous map made by Don Bernardo de Miera y Pacheco in 1779.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 5.7 sqmi, of which 5.7 sqmi is land and 0.04 sqmi (0.35%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,584 people, 393 households, and 284 families residing in the town. The population density was 277.7 PD/sqmi. There were 487 housing units at an average density of 85.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the town was 70.08% White, 10.16% African American, 2.21% Native American, 0.06% Asian, 14.71% from other races, and 2.78% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 50.57% of the population.

Over half the population in 2010 consisted of inmates in the CoreCivic prison on the east side of town, built in 1990. The corporation has threatened to close the prison before October 2017, saying it will shut down if it cannot be provided with another 300 prisoners to increase its bottom line. It employs 200, and provides a substantial amount of income, $700,000 annually and $300,000 in taxes to the city and county.

There were 393 households, out of which 35.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.9% were married couples living together, 17.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 27.7% were non-families. 24.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.70 and the average family size was 3.20.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 20.6% under the age of 18, 10.7% from 18 to 24, 40.2% from 25 to 44, 20.6% from 45 to 64, and 7.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 186.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 217.7 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $24,276, and the median income for a family was $33,750. Males had a median income of $26,932 versus $18,214 for females. The per capita income for the town was $8,479. About 19.9% of families and 25.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 32.9% of those under age 18 and 13.9% of those age 65 or over.

Climate
Estancia has a typical New Mexico cool semi-arid climate (Köppen BSk). During the “summer” season from April to June, afternoons change from warm to hot, mornings move from freezing or near-freezing to cool, and the sky is generally very clear. The monsoon season from July to September provides the heaviest precipitation due to frequent thunderstorms, although diurnal temperature ranges remain above 35 F-change. The cool winter half of the year from October to March gradually chills with freezing mornings almost every day. Over a whole year 177.1 mornings fall below freezing although most afternoons even in the depth of winter are cool and sunny and maxima during an average winter top freezing on all but 6.1 afternoons. Occasionally, an extratropical storm will penetrate far south enough to provide an easterly flow from the Gulf of Mexico: the average annual snowfall is 19.2 in, although as much as 46.0 in fell in January 1987, and over 55.1 in between July 1915 and June 1916.

Since records began in 1904 the wettest calendar year has been 1911 with 27.25 in and the driest 1955 with only 4.80 in, followed by 1956 with 4.87 in. The wettest month has been October 1911 with 9.66 in, followed by July 1911 with 7.79 in, and June 1996 with 7.05 in. The wettest days has been June 27, 1996, with 3.05 in, the hottest afternoon June 19, 1989, which reached 104 F and the coldest morning on January 7, 1971, when the mercury fell to −37 F.

title: Estancia, New Mexico


text:
Manzano, New Mexico

Manzano is a census-designated place (CDP) in Torrance County, New Mexico, United States. The population was 54 at the 2000 census. The Quarai Ruins of Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument are located near the town. The center of population of New Mexico is located in Manzano.

Manzano is part of the Albuquerque Metropolitan Statistical Area. Manzano comes from the Spanish word for apple.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 1.7 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 54 people, 17 households, and 12 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 32.0 PD/sqmi. There were 22 housing units at an average density of 13.1 per square mile (5.0/km2). The racial makeup of the CDP was 55.56% White, 31.48% Native American, 11.11% from other races, and 1.85% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 87.04% of the population.

There were 17 households, out of which 41.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.2% were married couples living together, 11.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.4% were non-families. 23.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.18 and the average family size was 3.75.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 31.5% under the age of 18, 7.4% from 18 to 24, 22.2% from 25 to 44, 18.5% from 45 to 64, and 20.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 170 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 105.6 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $13,750, and the median income for a family was $19,375. Males had a median income of $33,750 versus $0 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $5,935. There were 35.0% of families and 37.7% of the population living below the poverty line, including 38.5% of under eighteens and 50.0% of those over 64.

Education
Its school district is Mountainair Public Schools.

title: Manzano, New Mexico


text:
Moriarty, New Mexico

Moriarty is a city in Torrance County, New Mexico, United States. The population was 1,946 at the 2020 Census. It is part of the Albuquerque Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Moriarty is about ten miles east of Edgewood, New Mexico, and shares a school district with the town, despite them being in separate counties (Edgewood is in Santa Fe County).

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.8 sqmi, all land.

Culture
Every October, Moriarty plays host to the Pinto Bean Fiesta, which is composed of a bunch of simple games in Crossly Park, as well as a parade and crowning of a "Pinto Bean Queen."

The Albuquerque Soaring Club (ASC), established in 1960 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, is currently headquartered at the Moriarty Municipal Airport. Moriarty boasts some of the finest year round soaring conditions in the United States, including 15 knot thermals to 22,000 ft, mountain wave to 34,000 ft, and orographic lift off the Manzano, Sandia, Ortiz, and Sangre de Cristo mountain ranges. Many flights in excess of 300 miles are recorded each year. Many pilots have achieved all of their soaring diamonds out of Moriarty. Moriarty airport is also home to the United States Southwest Soaring Museum, and has a commercial glider operation, Sundance Aviation.

Moriarty also serves as a fireworks Mecca for the Albuquerque metropolitan area with two year around stores as well as at least two other large tents which set up for the sixteen-day selling period allowed by New Mexico State Law from June 20 to July 6. Vendors sell both Black Cat and TNT brand fireworks. All vendors are located along old Route 66 and competition is always fierce. Almost all Class C fireworks are allowed for sale and use in Moriarty including firecrackers, mortars, Roman candles, and cakes up to 500 grams (the maximum allowance), and though pop rockets have been banned throughout New Mexico for the last three years, larger stick rockets are still allowed.

Moriarty is named after the first permanent settler in the town, Michael Timothy Moriarty.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,765 people, 668 households, and 478 families residing in the city. The population density was 368.2 PD/sqmi. There were 775 housing units at an average density of 161.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 73.54% White, 0.62% African American, 2.49% Native American, 0.28% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 18.75% from other races, and 4.25% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 40.79% of the population.

There were 668 households, out of which 41.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.5% were married couples living together, 19.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.3% were non-families. 24.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 9.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.64 and the average family size was 3.12.

In the city, 33.6% of the population was under the age of 18, 7.4% from 18 to 24, 28.3% from 25 to 44, 20.0% from 45 to 64, and 10.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females, there were 86.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.2 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $25,150, and the median income for a family was $31,957. Males had a median income of $24,345 versus $20,000 for females. The per capita income for the city was $13,640. About 13.3% of families and 18.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 21.8% of those under age 18 and 18.3% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Toney Anaya – Governor of New Mexico from 1983 to 1987; born in Moriarty
 * Kyle Blanks – professional baseball player with the San Diego Padres
 * John Dodson – mixed martial artist
 * Alice King – former First Lady of New Mexico (1971–1975, 1979–1983, 1991–1995)
 * Tim Means – mixed martial artist
 * Matt Moore – professional baseball player with the Tampa Bay Rays

title: Moriarty, New Mexico


text:
Tajique, New Mexico

Tajique is a unincorporated community in Torrance County, New Mexico, United States. The population was 148 at the 2000 census. For statistical purposes, the United States Census Bureau has defined that community as a census-designated place (CDP). It is part of the Albuquerque metropolitan area.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 2.7 square miles (7.0 km$2$), all land.

History
Tajique was originally a Tiwa pueblo. The name Tajique may have been derived from the Tiwa name Tush-yit-yay. The original date of settlement is unknown. In the early 17th century, Tajique served as the seat of the San Miguel Mission. After an Apache raid in 1674, the inhabitants of the Quarai pueblo joined the Tajique pueblo, doubling the population to over 600 residents. In 1675, a subsequent Apache raid forced the abandonment of the Tajique pueblo.

The Trigo Fire in April, 2008 threatened the area, and Tajique was later evacuated due to the Big Spring Fire in June of that year. The Big Spring Fire burned 5,478 acre and destroyed six homes and 10 outbuildings in Tajique. The Trigo Fire, which came near Tajique, burned 59 homes and charred 13,709 acre.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 148 people, 48 households, and 39 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 54.7 PD/sqmi. There were 63 housing units at an average density of 23.3 per square mile (9.0/km$2$). The racial makeup of the CDP was 58.78% White, 2.03% Native American, 37.84% from other races, and 1.35% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 79.05% of the population.

There were 48 households, out of which 41.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 56.3% were married couples living together, 20.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 16.7% were non-families. 12.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.08 and the average family size was 3.28.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 35.8% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 28.4% from 25 to 44, 17.6% from 45 to 64, and 10.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 31 years. For every 100 females, there were 92.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.0 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $27,969, and the median income for a family was $27,969. Males had a median income of $33,000 versus $32,500 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $7,645. There were 34.0% of families and 30.1% of the population living below the poverty line, including 34.3% of under eighteens and none of those over 64.

title: Tajique, New Mexico


text:
Torreon, Torrance County, New Mexico

Torreon is a farming community and census-designated place (CDP) in Torrance County, New Mexico, United States. The population was 244 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Albuquerque Metropolitan Statistical Area.

Geography
Torreon is located on NM State Route 55 on the eastern slopes of the Manzano Mountains.

According to the United States Census Bureau, the CDP has a total area of 8.3 square miles (21.5 km$2$), all land.

History
Torreon is built on the site of an old Piro pueblo one of the more northern of the Salinas pueblos. The Piro site was occupied prior to the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century, but became part of the Salinas District, a group of mission towns on the east side of the Manzano Mountains. As the Apache moved south along the edge of the Rocky Mountains in the mid-17th century these missions had to become more defensible. However, by 1677 the Torreon site had been abandoned. Iis had a population of 187 at the 2020 sensus.

Torreon was resettled in the Spring of 1841 by Nino Antonio Montoya and twenty-six other farmers under a grant from the Prefect of the Central District of New Mexico. The Torreon Grant was named after the defensive towers built at Manzano 6.6 miles to the south, and consisted of an area approximately three miles east–west by six miles north–south. Apache raids remained a serious problem until after the Civil War and the appointment of Edward Hatch as New Mexico Military District commander.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 244 people, 93 households, and 66 families residing in the CDP. The population density was 29.3 PD/sqmi. There were 139 housing units at an average density of 16.7 per square mile (6.5/km$2$). The racial makeup of the CDP was 73.77% White, 0.41% Native American, 0.82% Asian, 1.23% Pacific Islander, 18.85% from other races, and 4.92% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 68.85% of the population.

There were 93 households, out of which 30.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 55.9% were married couples living together, 7.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.0% were non-families. 26.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.62 and the average family size was 3.23.

In the CDP, the population was spread out, with 25.0% under the age of 18, 9.0% from 18 to 24, 20.1% from 25 to 44, 32.0% from 45 to 64, and 13.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 106.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 101.1 males.

The median income for a household in the CDP was $36,250, and the median income for a family was $45,750. Males had a median income of $35,375 versus $12,188 for females. The per capita income for the CDP was $12,349. About 12.9% of families and 10.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.4% of those under the age of eighteen and none of those 65 or over.

title: Torreon, Torrance County, New Mexico


text:
Willard, New Mexico

Willard is a village in Torrance County, New Mexico, United States. The population was 253 at the 2010 census. It is part of the Albuquerque Metropolitan Statistical Area. The village is not experiencing the same extreme growth that towns farther north in the state are. A wind farm has recently been constructed upon the mesa just south of the town. It provides power for about 25,000 homes in Arizona.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 0.8 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 240 people, 96 households, and 60 families residing in the village. The population density was 310.5 PD/sqmi. There were 115 housing units at an average density of 148.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the village was 50.42% White, 0.83% African American, 1.25% Native American, 45.83% from other races, and 1.67% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 83.33% of the population.

There were 96 households, out of which 33.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.9% were married couples living together, 8.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 36.5% were non-families. 35.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.50 and the average family size was 3.28.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 28.8% under the age of 18, 9.6% from 18 to 24, 23.8% from 25 to 44, 21.3% from 45 to 64, and 16.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 110.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 106.0 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $20,833, and the median income for a family was $28,333. Males had a median income of $30,313 versus $21,000 for females. The per capita income for the village was $9,343. About 19.4% of families and 27.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 31.0% of those under the age of eighteen and 35.6% of those 65 or over.

title: Willard, New Mexico


text:
Clayton, New Mexico

Clayton is a town and county seat of Union County, New Mexico, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 2,980.

Early history
Native Americans were present in the area of Clayton for at least 10,000 years, as evidenced by the findings at the Folsom site about 55 miles northwest of Clayton, near the village of Folsom. Later the area was part of Comancheria.

The Cimarron Cutoff of the Santa Fe Trail brought some of the first settlers through the Clayton region. The Santa Fe Trail was first established in 1821 after Spanish rule was evicted from Mexico which opened up trade between Santa Fe and the United States. William Becknell, also known as the Father of the Santa Fe Trail, became the first person to utilize the Santa Fe Trail as a trade route between the state of Missouri and Santa Fe. He established the Cimarron Cutoff, also known as the Cimarron Route, as a faster route between countries as the Cimarron Route shortened the Trail by more than 100 miles. The Cimarron Cutoff went straight through the Clayton region where travelers used the Rabbit Ear Mountain as a guiding landmark. Eventually travelers along the trail began to appreciate the rich soil around Clayton and the rolling green hills which were perfect for raising livestock.

The Goodnight-Loving Trail also passed through the area (bringing cattle north from Texas) starting in the late 1860s, but eventually cattle ranchers and sheepherders established ranches in the Clayton area itself, though they were large and far apart. That changed when the Fort Worth and Denver City Railroad came to the area in 1888. Stephen Dorsey, a nearby rancher, received the rights to the area where the railroad ran. His range manager, John C. Hill laid out a town site, and named it in 1887 for Clayton C. Dorsey (1871-1948), son of Senator Stephen W. Dorsey of Arkansas, who had established the nearby Triangle Dot Ranch in Union and Colfax counties.

In 1892, the saloon of what would later become the Hotel Eklund was built, and by 1894 the saloon featured a front and back bar, pool and carom tables, monte game tables, a crap table, and a poker table. By 1898, the building was further expanded to add a hotel.

Twentieth Century

US President Theodore Roosevelt visited Clayton on April 14, 1905.

In 1928 the main street of Clayton was paved and street lighting was added.

Clayton and the rest of Northeastern New Mexico was hit hard by the Dust Bowl of the 1930s; however, the era was also a time of renewal and rebuilding in the community, in large part due to the work of the Works Project Administration in the community.

Clayton was hit by a "black roller" (giant dust cloud) that measured 1500 feet high and a mile across on May 28, 1937.

In 1999, the dining room and saloon of the old Eklund Hotel was reopened.

Twenty-first century
The Eklund hotel reopened on July 3, 2011.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 4.7 sqmi, all land. Clayton has an elevation of approximately 5050 ft above sea level. It is located about 130 mi northwest of Amarillo, Texas. Clayton is considered to be in the Plains region of New Mexico. This region stretches to the Sangre de Cristo Mountains down to the Guadalupe Mountains. Clayton is located in the northeast corner of New Mexico, 10 mi from the border of Texas and 11 mi from the border of the Oklahoma panhandle. Clayton is also located near two parks, Clayton Lake State Park, and Capulin Volcano National Monument. Not far away is Black Mesa State Park in Oklahoma. A carbon dioxide field called Bravo Dome can be found near Clayton and stretches nearly 1 million acres.

Climate
Clayton has a typical New Mexico cool semi-arid climate (Köppen BSk) with hot summers and cool, dry winters. The normal monthly mean temperature ranges from 34.8 °F in December to 74.7 °F in July; on average, annually, there are 41 days with a maximum at or above 90 °F, 13 days with a maximum that remains at or below freezing, and 2.2 days with a minimum at or below 0 °F. Precipitation is low and usually confined to the monsoon season from June to September when thunderstorms are frequent; the annual mean precipitation is 15.8 in. Winter weather can vary greatly from warm and windy due to the influence of the chinook, to frigid and snowy when Arctic air moved southward from Canada. The seasonal (July through June of the following year) normal total snowfall accumulation is 28 in, mostly occurring from November to March, occasionally in April, and very rarely does measurable snowfall occur in September, October or May.

Record temperatures range from -21 °F on January 4, 1959, to 105 °F on July 30, 1934, and June 27, 1924; the record cold maximum is -1 °F on January 11, 1963, and the day preceding the all-time record low, while, conversely, the record warm minimum is 74 °F on July 26, 1917.

 * Notes:

Demographics
As of the census of 2010, there were 2,980 people, 1,025 households (only 77.8% of the population was living in households), and 623 family households residing in the town. The population density was 535.7 PD/sqmi. There were 1,289 housing units at an average density of 273.6 /mi2. The racial makeup of the town was 75.9% White (43.5% non-Hispanic white), 2.7% Native American, 2.6% black or African American, 0.5% Asian, 15.6% from some other races, and 2.6% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 51.1% of the population.

As of the 2000 census, there were 1,079 households, out of which 30.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 47.6% were married couples living together, 11.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.9% were non-families. 33.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 18.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.99.

In the town, the population was spread out, with 27.7% under the age of 18, 6.3% from 18 to 24, 23.8% from 25 to 44, 23.6% from 45 to 64, and 18.7% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 95.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 92.4 males.

The median income for a household in the town was $25,600, and the median income for a family was $30,109. Males had a median income of $26,554 versus $17,054 for females. The per capita income for the town was $13,967. About 14.2% of families and 17.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 31.4% of those under age 18 and 9.1% of those age 65 or over.

Economy
Clayton has a rich history of commerce dating back to its founding in the 1800s. The railroad and nearby ranches caused Clayton to become a major livestock shipping center. A Dr. Pepper bottling plant was in town for a short time before moving back out. The town still thrives as a ranching and farming community, but has expanded its commerce to include multiple eating establishments, numerous shops, several dollar stores, two convenience stores, and multiple motels and campgrounds. The Ranch Market is the town's grocery store which has served the community faithfully for many years. Main Street and First Street are lined with shops including two flower stores and the town's western wear store. The town still maintains its small-town, country charm as the historic Hotel Eklund and the Luna Theater have been in operation for more than one hundred years, standing as a reminder to the town's earlier, simpler days.

Community
Clayton holds a parade each Independence Day. The Herzstein Memorial Museum, run by the Union County Historical Society, is open without charge Tuesdays through Saturdays and by appointment. An official interpretative center of the Santa Fe Trail, the Herzstein focuses upon county and regional history. Clayton Lake State Park, featuring a fishing lake and an extensive trackway of fossilized dinosaur footprints, is located 15 mi north of town.

One of the oldest movie theaters in America stands in Clayton. Opened in 1916 as The Mission Theater, the Luna Theater is still in operation today, showing a different movie each weekend. “The Mission style exterior, and the interior, with its Art Deco style touches, has been painstakingly restored and refurbished over the years, including all new projection equipment.” Although refurbished, much of the design is original, with original seating, light fixtures, and ticket booth. "Morris Herzstein built the theater and adjacent business block in 1916 after a disastrous fire wiped out his headquarters mercantile store... Before the Great Depression, the Mission Theater flourished and provided the magic of movies in Clayton, including memorable Christmas matinees offered free to children where Santa Claus would appear and give small presents to the crowd.” In 1935, T.F. Murphy bought the Mission Theater, renamed it the Luna Theater, and added some renovations. The Luna Theater is one of the most historic theaters in the country, landing a special place on the National Register of Historic Places in 2007.

Transportation
Highway connections include US Route 412 and US Route 64 concurrently through town running generally southwest to northeast, as well as US Route 87 running generally northwest to southeast. Clayton Municipal Airpark two miles east of town (KCAO, or FAA Identifier CAO), opened in December 1946, and features two runways the longer of which is 6307 x. Currently there is no scheduled passenger service.

Railroad freight service is provided by BNSF. Passenger service ceased on September 11, 1967.

title: Clayton, New Mexico


text:
Des Moines, New Mexico

Des Moines is a village in Union County, New Mexico, United States. The population was 143 at the 2010 census. In 2018, the estimated population was 20% lower than it was in 2000. Des Moines is a small village surrounded by large cattle ranches. Des Moines is known for its educational services, construction, and agriculture.

History
A post office called Des Moines has been in operation since 1906. The village took its name after Des Moines, Iowa.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 1.1 sqmi, all land.

The summit of Sierra Grande, the largest shield volcano in the Raton-Clayton Volcanic Field, is 5 km southwest of the village.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 143 people, 72 households, and 37 families residing in the village. The racial makeup of the village was 88.1% White (65.7% non-Hispanic white), 1.4% Native American, 7.0% from other races, and 3.5% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 30.8% of the population.

As of the 2000 census There were 72 households, out of which 36.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.8% were married couples living together, 8.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 30.6% were non-families. 29.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 3.00.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 30.5% under the age of 18, 5.6% from 18 to 24, 27.1% from 25 to 44, 23.7% from 45 to 64, and 13.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 78.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.2 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $27,321, and the median income for a family was $40,833. Males had a median income of $21,042 versus $33,750 for females. The per capita income for the village was $16,255. About 25.6% of families and 31.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 49.3% of those under the age of eighteen and 26.9% of those 65 or over.

title: Des Moines, New Mexico


text:
Folsom, New Mexico

Folsom is a village in Union County, New Mexico, United States. Its population was 56 at the 2010 census, down from 75 in 2000. The town was named after Frances Folsom, the fiancée of President Grover Cleveland.

History
Folsom gives its name to the nearby type site for the Folsom Tradition, a Paleo-Indian cultural sequence dating to between 11000 and 8000 BC. The Folsom site, about 8 miles west of the village, was excavated in 1926, and found to have been a marsh-side kill site or camp where 23 bison had been killed using distinctive tools, known as Folsom points.

In the first half of the 19th century, the region was a hunting ground for Comanche, Ute, and Jicarilla Apache Indians. The first white settlement near Folsom was Madison, settled in 1864 and named for its founder, Madison Emery. In 1877, a post office was established. Madison became a ghost town in 1888 when the Colorado and Southern Railroad was completed and Folsom was established nearby on the railroad line. The train was held up three times near Folsom by Black Jack Ketchum and his gang. The final robbery in 1899 led to the capture and hanging of Ketchum.

Folsom prospered in the early years, with the largest stockyards west of Fort Worth. Homesteaders moved in and attempted to farm, and the town reached a peak population of nearly 1,000. The area proved unsuitable for farming, though, because of drought, and large ranches soon replaced the small farms. The town suffered a blow from which it never recovered on August 27, 1908, when a massive rainstorm caused a devastating flood, which nearly destroyed the town and killed 18 people. (Flash flooding from the same storm also uncovered the bison bones that George McJunkin found in Dead Horse Arroyo, which later became known as the Folsom site.)

A high school operated briefly in Folsom. Its only graduates were three students in 1931. In 1966, the elementary school at Folsom closed and the students transferred to the school in Des Moines, 8 miles away. Folsom has a post office.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 0.5 sqmi, all land.

Folsom is situated in a wide valley near the headwaters of the Cimarron River, locally known as the Dry Cimarron, as it runs underground during part of its course through eastern New Mexico. The village is ringed by buttes, mesas, and old volcanic cones and lava flows. Most of the valley is rich grassland, with a pinyon pine and juniper forest found on slopes and in rocky areas. Ponderosa pines are found in canyons and at higher elevations. Large ranches and cattle grazing are typical of the area, although some irrigated agriculture is found downstream from Folsom. Hunting for deer, bear, elk, pronghorn, and turkey is popular on local ranches.

Capulin Volcano National Monument is located 7 mi (11 km) south of Folsom. Rising to 8,182 ft (2,494 m) above sea level, Capulin is the highest mountain near Folsom. Folsom Falls is about 3 miles northeast of the town, along New Mexico State Highway 456. The Cimarron River, only a small stream a few feet wide here, is stocked with trout annually. Eight miles (13 km) west of the city below Johnson Mesa is Wild Horse Arroyo, where in 1908, a cowboy named George McJunkin discovered the bones of an extinct bison. This archaeological find later proved ancient man had been in the Americas at least 10,000 years, far longer than earlier believed.

Folsom is commonly called a "ghost town", as it has hardly any active businesses. Most community life centers around the Folsom Museum, established in 1966 in the Doherty Mercantile building. The museum, with a large collection of local artifacts, sponsors several events each year. It is open seven days a week between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

Climate
Folsom's elevation moderates summer temperatures. July is the warmest month with an average high temperature of 84 °F (28 °C) and an average low of 56 °F (13 °C). January is the coldest month with an average high temperature of 45 °F (7 °C) and an average low of 17 °F (-8 °C). The highest recorded temperature is 99 °F (37 °C) degrees and the lowest was -28 °F (-33 °C). Folsom receives 18 in of precipitation per year, mostly as summer rainfall, but with about 30 in of snow annually. July and August are the wettest months and January and February are the driest.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, 75 people, 31 households, and 19 families were residing in the village. The population density was 139.1 people/sq mi (53.6/km2). The 44 housing units averaged 81.6/sq mi (31.5/km2). The racial makeup of the village was 73.33% White, 2.67% Native American, 21.33% from other races, and 2.67% from two or more races. Hispanics or Latinos of any race were 34.67% of the population.

Of the 31 households, 35.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.4% were married couples living together, 12.9% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.5% were not families. About 35.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.42, and the average family size was 3.15.

In the village, the age distribution was 29.3% under 18, 4.0% from 18 to 24, 34.7% from 25 to 44, 14.7% from 45 to 64, and 17.3% who were 65 or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 82.8 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $17,083, and for a family was $25,750. Males had a median income of $23,750 versus $16,000 for females. The per capita income for the village was $9,561. There were 32.0% of families and 35.4% of the population living below the poverty line, including 51.3% of those under 18 and none over 64.

Notable people

 * Sally J. Rooke (1840–1908); Telephone operator who perished in the 1908 flood "while at her switchboard warning others of their danger", was designated by the State of New Mexico as a Heroine of New Mexico, and has a monument in her honor adjacent to the Folsom Museum.
 * George McJunkin (1856-1922), an African-American man born into slavery in 1856. He educated himself in English and Spanish as well as astronomy, geology, and history. He became a ranch hand in Folsom where he found and identified prehistoric remains. He was knowledgeable enough to interest museums from Colorado to New England, and the site was investigated. In 1926 the culture was named after the town. He did not live to see his find vindicated.

title: Folsom, New Mexico


text:
Grenville, New Mexico

Grenville is a village in Union County, New Mexico, United States. The population was 38 at the 2010 census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the village has a total area of 0.6 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 25 people, 9 households, and 6 families residing in the village. The population density was 39.8 PD/sqmi. There were 14 housing units at an average density of 22.3 /mi2. The racial makeup of the village was 100.00% White.

There were 9 households, out of which 33.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 66.7% were married couples living together, and 33.3% were non-families. 33.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 33.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.78 and the average family size was 3.67.

In the village, the population was spread out, with 32.0% under the age of 18, 4.0% from 18 to 24, 20.0% from 25 to 44, 16.0% from 45 to 64, and 28.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 108.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 70.0 males.

The median income for a household in the village was $54,375, and the median income for a family was $58,125. Males had a median income of $0 versus $0 for females. The per capita income for the village was $21,536. None of the population and none of the families were below the poverty line.

title: Grenville, New Mexico


text:
Belen, New Mexico

Belén (Belén) is the second most populated city in Valencia County, New Mexico, the United States, after its county seat, Los Lunas. The population was 7,360 as of the 2020 Census.

Belén is Spanish for Bethlehem. It gained the nickname "Hub City" after the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway completed a line through it in 1907. The city is geographically near the center of New Mexico, and is a significant transportation hub that includes access to rails, Interstate Highway 25, and air at Valencia County's only public airport.

Belén is at the southern end of the Albuquerque Metropolitan Statistical Area. The city is located 35 miles south of Albuquerque.

History
Belén was founded in 1740 as Nuestra Señora de Belén (Our Lady of Bethlehem) by a group of colonists led by Diego Torres and Antonio Salazar, who had received permission to settle the tract of land known as the Belén Grant. The early settlers in the Belén grant included several genízaro families. The genízaros, Native Americans with origins as slaves and servants of colonists, were important in the frontier defense of New Mexico. For the genízaros, relocation to Belén and other frontier settlements was a means of acquiring land. Their settlement in Belén was established to protect the southern border of the colony from Apache raiders. Belén was the first of what would be many genízaro settlements, and by 1744, 40 families were in residence. Spanish and mestizo families also settled in Belén.

Recognizing the strategic significance of Belén, Spanish authorities established a fort in Belén to protect the settlements along the Rio Grande in 1760. By the 1790s, Belén had established a city center known as Plaza Vieja, or Old Town, and had grown from a paraje, or precinct, to a partido, or district, with a population of 1,695. By 1793, a Catholic church and parish were founded.

By the middle of the 19th century, Belén had outgrown Old Town and was expanding into what became known as New Town. In 1853, the residents in both parts of town disagreed over the construction of a new Catholic church, with residents of Old Town wanting the new church to remain there, while residents of New Town wanted it built in their part of town. Ultimately, the adobe church in Old Town was abandoned, and a new church was built in New Town. In 1910, the last ruins of the former church were blown up with dynamite, and the crushed adobe was used to pave New Town's main avenue, Becker Avenue.

The residents of Valencia County spent nearly 30 years from 1846 to 1875 disputing where the county seat should be located. Valencia, north of Belén, was the county seat in 1846, followed by Peralta in 1847. Valencia reclaimed the county seat in 1849, only to lose it to Tomé in 1852. Belén captured the county seat from Tomé 20 years later but lost it to Tomé two short years later in 1874. Finally, in 1875, Los Lunas claimed the county seat and remains the county seat to this day.

In the late winter of 1862, Belén, an ally of the Union, become entangled in the Civil War when the town briefly fell under Confederate control after 400 Confederate soldiers marched into Belén. By summer, however, the Confederate army had withdrawn from New Mexico.

In 1880, the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway reached Belén during the construction of a rail line to El Paso. In 1884, the United States General Land Office, through the authority of President Ulysses S. Grant, established the Town of Belén. By the turn of the century, local merchant John Becker had designed a commercial and residential plan for the town. Becker's plan laid out Belén on a grid, extending from a commercial center with two grand avenues — Becker Avenue and Dalies Avenue. Originally, all of the town's streets were to be named after Spanish explorers, such as Coronado, but were quickly changed to the last names of the town's founders, such as Becker, Paul Dalies, and Charles Reinken.

In 1907, the Belén Cutoff for the Santa Fe Railway was completed, connecting Amarillo with Belén. Prior to the Belén Cutoff, trains used the steep Raton Pass on the Colorado and New Mexico border. The cutoff made it possible for many more trains to travel east and west across the United States. Facilities at Belén included a large roundhouse and a classification yard, also serving branches southward to El Paso and northward through Albuquerque to Colorado. Today, Belén remains a major refueling station for the BNSF Railway, where an average of 110 trains travel through Belén per day on the Southern Transcon.

Belén was incorporated as a municipality in 1918. It was originally called the "Village of Belén", later becoming the "City of Belén".

In 1927, Belén native and movie stunt pilot Arthur C. Goebel took up the challenge by James D. Dole, the Hawaii pineapple magnate, to race with other pilots to be the first to fly nonstop from the mainland United States to the Hawaii territory, in what is known as the Dole Air Race. Goebel flew the Woolaroc. Of the 13 planes that qualified, seven were lost in crashes, killing ten. Only two planes made it safely to Hawaii. Goebel landed first in Hawaii after a nonstop 26 hours, 17 minutes, and 33 seconds, receiving the top prize of $25,000.

The world's first atomic bomb, in unassembled pieces, traveled through Belén in July 1945 en route to the Trinity site at what is now White Sands Missile Range. The bomb's Belén route used old Highway 85, now Highway 314, also known as Main Street. Located in downtown Belén in 1945 was Roy's Cafe, a restaurant where military and science personnel would dine since it had the necessary security clearance. Local legend suggests personnel escorting the atomic bomb, and perhaps the bomb itself, stopped at Roy's Cafe as they passed through town.

In 1950, William F. Beavers, owner of B&B Cafe on Becker Avenue, filed the first patent for a machine that sliced potatoes into waffle-like slices, vowing to help commercialize the now-famed waffle fry in cafes across the United States. His patent was granted two years later for what he called a "slicing machine with a stationary knife and reciprocating carrier" made "for the slicing of potatoes and like foods into attractive shapes." The waffle fries could be paired with Belén's own Hub City soda pop brewed and bottled locally by the Belén Bottling Co. The soda's trademark was "Pop with Personality."

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 4.7 sqmi of land. The city lies in the Rio Grande Valley of the Albuquerque Basin, on the west bank of the Rio Grande.

Climate
This climate type occurs primarily on the periphery of the true deserts in low-latitude semiarid steppe regions.

Cityscape
Belén's central business district and downtown is located along Becker and Dalies avenues, stretching from the BNSF rail yard to Main Street. Downtown Belen features structures dating back to the early 20th century when the railroad came to town.

The Belen Hotel and Central Hotel, both located on Becker Avenue, are two-story structures built to accommodate railroaders and other rail guests in the early 1900s. Both were constructed of bricks made from the former Belén brickyard. Today, the Belen Hotel has been converted into a private residence and private art gallery, while the Central Hotel has been renovated to include a private residence upstairs with a wine-tasting room, and an event space and ballroom downstairs.

Old City Hall, also located on Becker Avenue, is a 1938 Works Progress Administration project, which housed the former Belén City Hall and fire department. The two-story building was constructed of terron, a material similar to adobe.

The Belén Harvey House is located within feet of the BNSF rail yard. It is a two-story building that opened in 1907, one year before the completion of the Belén Cutoff, to provide room and board to railroaders and others passing through. The original Belén rail depot is adjacent to the Harvey House grounds, owned by BNSF and used as office space for the railroad.

The Scholle building, located at the intersection of Main Street and Becker Avenue, is one of the more architecturally significant buildings in Belén, due to the engineering behind the architecture. Originally designed as a Swiss chalet, the Scholle building has more than eight miles of rail built into its walls.

The Oñate Theater, located on Dalies Avenue, was built in the early 20th century, showing many major marquee films. The theater is situated on the same block as three other historic buildings.

Demographics
As of the 2000 United States Census, there were 6,901 people, 2,596 households, and 1,778 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,463.1 PD/sqmi. There were 2,952 housing units at an average density of 625.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 67.50% White, 1.07% African American, 1.65% Native American, 0.17% Asian, 0.16% Pacific Islander, 25.39% from other races, and 4.06% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 68.61% of the population.

There were 2,596 households, out of which 34.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.3% were married couples living together, 17.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.5% were non-families. 26.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.61 and the average family size was 3.14.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 28.8% under the age of 18, 9.6% from 18 to 24, 25.5% from 25 to 44, 21.0% from 45 to 64, and 15.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 91.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $26,754, and the median income for a family was $30,765. Males had a median income of $26,551 versus $21,300 for females. The per capita income for the city was $12,999. About 23.2% of families and 24.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 33.9% of those under age 18 and 18.2% of those age 65 or over.

Government
Belen is governed by a mayor-council form of government, with a city manager. The governing body consists of an elected mayor and four elected councilors. The city also has an elected municipal judge. Belen has five appointed positions: city manager, police chief, fire chief, treasurer and clerk.

Annual festivals and other events
Belen is home to a number of annual cultural events, including the St. Patrick's Day Balloon Rallye on the Saturday before St. Patrick's Day, the All-American Fourth of July around July 4, Rio Abajo Days on the last Saturday in September, and the Miracle on Main Street Festival and Electric Light Parade on the Saturday after Thanksgiving.

The Hispano Matanza, held annually in Belen on the last Saturday in January, is considered the world's largest matanza, a Spanish-style barbecue that can trace its origin back to the conquistadors. This New Mexico matanza tradition, hosted by the Hispano Chamber of Valencia County, involves slaughtering and cooking 45 pigs, then serving the free food, such as chicharrones, to more than 10,000 patrons. All of the proceeds are given as scholarships to local college students.

The Our Lady of Belen Fiestas, held annually in Belen during one weekend in mid-August, is an event that has been around for more than 220 years. The fiestas, or parties, draw thousands of people from across the state and country to Belen for religious observance, and to celebrate with a carnival. The fiestas is held around the time Valencia County's green chile is ready for harvest, making its way as garnishing the "Fiesta Burger."

Follow the Star is an annual celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ and pays homage to the Christian heritage of Belen (Spanish for Bethlehem), held each December. The journey begins at Second St. and Becker Ave. in Belen's historic downtown and proceeds to Sixth St. and Becker Ave., culminating in the lighting of the Star of Bethlehem on Belen's water tower. Along the path the Christmas story is told with live characters and music by sponsoring churches.

Museums
Belen has the only Harvey House Museum in New Mexico. The Santa Fe railroad arrived in Belen in 1880, when Belen was a small farming community. For the next 25 years, there was little train traffic through Belen, because the main rail line went west from Albuquerque. In 1908, the railroad opened a new line that avoided the steep grades over Raton Pass. This new line was the Belen cut-off, and it routed many more trains through Belen. Shortly after the new development, Belen began to bustle.

Rail passengers who stopped in Belen needed a place to dine, so in 1910 the railroad built a Harvey House restaurant adjacent to the railroad tracks. It was the 86th restaurant in the chain operated by Fred Harvey. It contained a large lunchroom, a more formal dining room, a newsstand, kitchen facilities, a bakery, and sleeping rooms upstairs for the Harvey Girls who served the meals.

That Harvey House is extant today. It houses memorabilia pertaining to the Harvey House and the Santa Fe Railway, as well as exhibits on early local businesses and residents in Belen.

The Belen Harvey House is the official railroad museum of the State of New Mexico and is a branch of the Belen Public Library.

Parks and outdoor attractions
Belen has nine parks and is home to the Valencia County Fairgrounds.

The Valencia County Fairgrounds is situated along the I-25 Bypass on the north side of Belen. The fairgrounds include two rodeo areas and the Sheriff's Posse, a restaurant and a dance hall. Every August, the fairgrounds host the Valencia County Fair, coupled with the fair parade down Main Street.

Eagle Park is located near I-25 and Belen High School. It is Belen's multipurpose park, including several soccer fields, baseball fields, tennis courts, and an outdoor basketball court. Eagle Park also has a community center with a weight room, indoor basketball court and several meeting rooms.

Historic Anna Becker Park, located in downtown Belen was named after the wife of Belen's most influential businessman, John Becker. It was once a pond where residents ice skated in the winter. The park includes a sand volleyball pit, basketball court, and historic gazebo.

Doodlebug Park features a restored Doodlebug rail car. The Doodlebug is known in Belen for shuttling Belen residents to Albuquerque in the early 20th century. The Doodlebug at Doodlebug Park was restored by the production crew from the movie The Last Stand, which was filmed near the park, at the request of Lions Gate and Arnold Schwarzenegger, who starred in the film.

Belen also has Sen. Willie M. Chavez State Park, next to the Rio Grande along Highway 309. The park has walking trails and picnic grounds. During special events it is open for camping. It is the site of Belen's annual ham radio operator event, as well as a fishing derby that takes place at the acequia, or irrigation canal, that runs through the park.

Other parks include El Corazon de Belen Garden Park, Jose Gallegos Park, Rosedale Park, Ross Park, and Welcome Park.

Media
The Valencia County News-Bulletin is a weekly news publication covering all of Valencia County.

KBNM-LP is a radio station in Belen, playing oldies and other music throughout Valencia County.

Hub City News is an online news source covering all of Valencia County. Its primary focus is Belen and Belen-related stories.

Education
The vast majority of Belen is within the Belen Consolidated Schools district, which includes two high schools: Belén High School and Infinity High School, one middle school and seven elementary schools. Belen Consolidated Schools also has an alternative high school and a family school for home schooled students.

Small portions of Belen are in Los Lunas Public Schools.

Our Lady of Belen Catholic Church runs the private St. Mary's Catholic School (affiliated with the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Santa Fe), and Calvary Chapel Rio Grande Valley runs the private Canon Christian Academy.

Belen residents are served by the University of New Mexico Valencia Campus in Tome and the University of New Mexico's main campus in Albuquerque.

Roads
Belen's western boundary is Interstate 25. Belen is intersected by New Mexico Highway 314 and Highway 309.

Airport
Belen Regional Airport, Belen County's only public airport, is a regional general aviation airport. It primarily serves general aviation, including business activity from jet and multi-engine aircraft. The airport is used by flight instructors, skydivers, crop dusters and recreational pilots, among others. Several aviation-related businesses are located at the airport.

Rail
Belen is intersected by the rails of the BNSF Railway, which has both east-west and north-south routes through the city. The New Mexico Rail Runner Express also has a commuter rail station at the north end of the BNSF rail yard, shuttling passengers to and from Belen on a daily basis and connecting with Albuquerque and Santa Fe.

The BNSF Rail Yard in Belen serves as a major division point for the Southern Transcon.

Bicycle routes
New Mexico Bike Route 1 follows Reinken Avenue through Belen. The route connects Belén with Bernardo, which is south of Belén at a distance of 17½ miles.

Notable people
People born in Belén:
 * Art Aragon (1927-2008), boxer
 * Bartolomé Baca (1767-1834), governor
 * Gregory A. Baca (born 1971), politician and Gulf War vet
 * Joe Baca (born 1947), politician
 * Tara Calico (born 1969; status unknown), missing person
 * Gloria Castillo (1933-1978), actress
 * Richard Carrillo (born 1967), politician
 * Tony Gabaldon (1930-1998), principal and Arizona state senator
 * Damon Gray, singer
 * Clinton Harden (born 1947), politician
 * Mike Nesbitt, football coach
 * David Parker Ray (1939-2002), abductor and possible serial killer
 * Joshua A. Sanchez (born 1981), businessman
 * Michael S. Sanchez (born 1950), politician

People now living in Belén:
 * Judy Chicago, artist & feminist

title: Belen, New Mexico