Española, New Mexico
Encyclopedia
Española also known as Espanola (without the tilde
), is a city primarily in Rio Arriba County
, New Mexico
, in the United States. A portion of the central and eastern section of the city is in Santa Fe County
. Española was founded in 1880 as a railroad village, incorporated as a city in 1925. The city is situated in an area Juan de Oñate
declared a capital for Spain in 1598. Española has been called the first capital city in America. At the 2010 census the city had a total population of
10,495, Española is within the Santa Fe-Espanola Combined Statistical Area
.
. In 1880, the famous railroad which ran predominantly through the Rocky mountain region, announced a route extension of its narrow gauge
into Northern New Mexico. The line would be built along the Rio Grande
, later known as the Chili Line
. The route would extend into what today is the downtown Española area, and the railroad began selling lots of property in the area. Many residents of the nearby town of Santa Fe
where not happy with the decision, and failure of connection. The Española station included an Engine facility station along with a Roundhouse
and Turntable so they could service the locomotives. The facilities were built but torn down after 6 years, plans for the town had changed. The railroad would later reach Santa Fe to connect with the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway
in 1887.
At the time of construction a small restaurant opened up in the area, owned by the Lucero family, it was called "Las Española's". There was no official name for the village at the time, railroad workers began referring to the area "Espanola" (without the eñe) and quickly the name stuck. The name became official by 1900 and Española would became a small "railroad village". Anglo merchants, mountain men, and settlers slowly filtered into Española.
Frank R. Frankenburger a business man born in Ft. Scott, Kansas was the first mayor, elected in 1923. In 1925 Española was incorporated
as a city. As the population rose, there was a high demand for public education in the city, Española High School was established, it would be the largest school in the area for decades. The first high school in the area however, was Santa Cruz High School
. Two miles away from downtown Española, it opened in 1906 in the historic Santa Cruz
area. Today, both high schools are no longer in existence after a merger of school districts in 1975.
The existence of the railroad began to dissipate, minimal passenger traffic and low shippments forced the railroad to close in the early 1940s. Many locals would become unemployed and would follow the railroad to Santa Fe
, Albuquerque and central Colorado
for jobs. Española's population would fall dramatically and many homes in downtown became abandoned. Most of the locals that remained, would turn to farming as a way of life. Many people saw Española as another failed railroad town.
Along came the 1970s, Many historical buildings, 'mom/pop shops' and homes were torn down. Modern business began to move into the downtown area. However, most would fail due opportunities moving across the city, although several buildings of historical significance remain downtown Española many are unused or abandoned. The city removed the railroad tracks and the train depot in 1950, and the existence of railroads completely vanished. With the beginnings of Manhattan Project
in the nearby city of Los Alamos
many locals would find jobs at the Los Alamos National Laboratory
, which would later employee nearly 9% of Española's population. In 1970 the city's population would triple in size.
A controversial plan to build a "plaza
" and Misión
church where many historic buildings once stood was up for consideration. In the late 1990s the city went with the plan, and locals supported the plaza. Although a plaza never existed in Española before the railroads, it was built to tribute to the Spanish culture in the area.
in 1882. Bond would later married May Anna Caffell of Pueblo, Colorado
. At age 21, He established the largest mercantile company
in New Mexico (Espanola Mercantile), along with G.W. Bond & Bros, and Bond & Nohl companies with his brother George, who was already living in New Mexico. In addition to running the retail business, Frank Bond acquired extensive tracts of land, including the Valle Grande (Baca Location) in the Jemez Mountains
. Using this land to raise sheep, he quickly took advantage of the lucrative wool market. His businesses expanded to include wool storage and marketing ventures. In 1924 Bond was spoken of as a possible gubernatorial candidate and again in 1928, but preferred the more reserved work of building the state's economic enterprises than serving in politics. In 1925, Bond temporarily relocated to Albuquerque, establishing business ventures such as the Wool Warehouse Company with his son, Franklin Bond Jr., and other partners.
When Franklin Bond Sr. died in 1945, his son took over as president of Frank Bond & Son. He held the vast family interests until his sudden death from illness in 1953. At that time, with no family member able to manage operations, the family began selling off assets and the company was liquidated. The family also owned mercantiles in Wagon Mound
and Roy
.
The Bond Family home, which began as a small adobe home grew into a large two-story home, modeling the neoclassical revival
style it still exists in downtown. The city purchased the building in the 1970s. The Bond family name has held a strong family legacy, there are 3rd and 4th generations of the Frank Bond name. The family no longer resides in the city.
declared a capital for Spain
the area of Don Diego de Vargas
' new villa at Santa Cruz
. Oñate arrived in the Española Valley on July 11, 1598 at the confluence of the Chama River and the Rio Grande, where he established a camp at a place then called Yunque-Yunque. He created a Spanish settlement in an area already inhabited by the indigenous descendants of the Anasazi. The treatment of the natives was typical of the Conquistador
es at that time, with enslavement and brutality being a mainstay, despite the initially warm welcome.
in the Oñate Monument Visitors Center. A group calling itself Brothers of Acoma claimed responsibility.
Heroin use in the area increased rapidly beginning in the 1970s. In the period 2001–2005, Rio Arriba County
had the highest per capita rate of drug fatalities in the country, with 42.5 deaths per 100,000 population compared to 7.3 nationally.
On September 18, 2008 then Sen. Barack Obama, a Democratic nominee for President of the United States, visited Española for a rally at the city's New Plaza in the Main Street district. Nearly 10,000 people packed the Plaza from around the Española Valley.
Española has a large number of Hispanics and a large majority are Democrats.
According to the United States Census Bureau
, the city has a total area of 21.9 square kilometres (8.5 sq mi). 21.7 square kilometres (8.4 sq mi) of it is land and 0.2 square kilometre (0.077220431718507 sq mi) of it is water. The total area covered by water is 0.83%.
Española is over a mile high at an elevation of around 5595 feet (1,705.4 m) with much variance. It is in a valley nestled between the Jemez
and Sangre de Cristo
mountain ranges, and the meeting point of three rivers, the Rio Grande
, the Rio Chama, and the Rio Santa Cruz.
The highest recorded temperature was 107 °F (41.7 °C) in 2003. The average coolest month is January at 45 °F (7.2 °C).
The lowest recorded temperature was -38 °F in 1971. The maximum average precipitation occurs in August with an average of 1.9 inches (48.3 mm).
, the Santa Fe-Espanola CSA (metropolitan area) has the cleanest Ozone layer in the country (ranked #1), cleanest area in the country for 24-hour particle pollution (ranked #1) and cleanest area in the country for annual particle pollution (ranked #2).
of 2000, there were 9,688 people, 5,751 households, and 4,569 families residing in the city. The population density
was 1,155.4 people per square mile (446.4/km²). There were 5,107 housing units at an average density of 189.2/square kilometer (489.8/square mile). The racial makeup of the city was 67.55% White, 0.58% African American, 2.86% Native American, 0.14% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 25.56% from other races, and 3.25% from two or more races. 84.38% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 5,751 households, of which 35.6% had children under the age of eighteen living with them, 42.5% were married couples
living together, 18.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.5% were non-families. 26.2% of all households were made up of single individuals, and 9.7% had someone living alone who was sixty-five years of age or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 3.08.
In the city the population was spread out, with 27.8% under the age of 18, 9.7% from 18 to 24, 28.1% from 25 to 44, 22.1% from 45 to 64, and 12.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was thirty-four years. For every 100 females there were 95.3 males. For every 100 females aged eighteen and over, there were 94.6 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $27,144, and the median income for a family was $32,255. Males had a median income of $25,558 versus $23,177 for females. The per capita income
for the city was $14,303. 21.6% of the population and 16.5% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 28.4% of those under the age of eighteen and 15.1% of those sixty-five and older were living below the poverty line.
, are anchors of a massive shopping center located next to Wal-Mart
which was built in 1999. Many other stores such as CVS/Pharmacy and Petsense have added or will build locations in Española. However, most residents are employed at near-by city Los Alamos
at the Los Alamos National Laboratory
.
At Española Industrial Park, Nambe Mills (relocated from Santa Fe in what will be a multi-phase move of their entire silver working operation) is in the forefront of an industrial expansion that may soon see a host of businesses taking advantage of the city's relatively low-cost industrial land.
The prosperous agrarian society of the natives and the Spanish was replaced by a money-based system with the introduction of the railroad. As is typical throughout history, this disadvantaged many locals. They were forced to adopt a system for which they lacked the education. Many continued to farm, and their families still do today; however, they were taught to farm to sell rather than to sustain, and so were also disadvantaged. With poverty and gentrification came fewer resources for the community.
s in the world. While most Sikhs descend from the Punjab region of India, the Sikhs in Española come from all over the world.
and northern communities, as well as with local people. The local fiesta
s are held in the summer and include live New Mexican-style Spanish or country music, vendors, and many locals.
There are many locations near Española to do almost any outdoor activity such as hiking, biking, and river sports like rafting and kayaking. Nearby winter sports include skiing (downhill and cross-country) and snowboarding.
and an eight-member city council
. The Española City Council is the legislative authority of the city, and has the power to adopt all ordinances, resolutions, or other legislation. The council members are elected from the eight council districts on four-year terms, with four districted Councilors elected every two years. One of the council members is elected by the members of the council to be the mayor pro tempore. The mayor can approve or veto
any decision made by the council. However, the council can override the mayor's veto with a five out of eight member vote.
The 2008–2009 library budget is $248,735.
Tilde
The tilde is a grapheme with several uses. The name of the character comes from Portuguese and Spanish, from the Latin titulus meaning "title" or "superscription", though the term "tilde" has evolved and now has a different meaning in linguistics....
), is a city primarily in Rio Arriba County
Rio Arriba County, New Mexico
-2010:Whereas according to the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau:*51.6% White*0.5% Black*16.0% Native American*0.4% Asian*0.0% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander*3.3% Two or more races*28.2% Other races*71.3% Hispanic or Latino -2000:...
, New Mexico
New Mexico
New Mexico is a state located in the southwest and western regions of the United States. New Mexico is also usually considered one of the Mountain States. With a population density of 16 per square mile, New Mexico is the sixth-most sparsely inhabited U.S...
, in the United States. A portion of the central and eastern section of the city is in Santa Fe County
Santa Fe County, New Mexico
-2010:Whereas according to the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau:*76.2% White*0.9% Black*3.1% Native American*1.2% Asian*0.1% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander*3.6% Two or more races*14.9% Other races*50.6% Hispanic or Latino -2000:...
. Española was founded in 1880 as a railroad village, incorporated as a city in 1925. The city is situated in an area Juan de Oñate
Juan de Oñate
Don Juan de Oñate y Salazar was a Spanish explorer, colonial governor of the New Spain province of New Mexico, and founder of various settlements in the present day Southwest of the United States.-Biography:...
declared a capital for Spain in 1598. Española has been called the first capital city in America. At the 2010 census the city had a total population of
10,495, Española is within the Santa Fe-Espanola Combined Statistical Area
Santa Fe-Espanola combined statistical area
The Santa Fe-Española Combined Statistical Area is made up of two counties in north central New Mexico. The statistical area consists of the Santa Fe Metropolitan Statistical Area and the Española Micropolitan Statistical Area...
.
History
Railroad Era, the beginning and the fall
Española was founded in 1879-80, with the introduction of the Denver and Rio Grande Western RailroadDenver and Rio Grande Western Railroad
The Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad , often shortened to Rio Grande or D&RGW, formerly the Denver & Rio Grande Railroad, is a defunct U.S. railroad company. The railroad started as a narrow gauge line running south from Denver, Colorado in 1870; however, served mainly as a transcontinental...
. In 1880, the famous railroad which ran predominantly through the Rocky mountain region, announced a route extension of its narrow gauge
Narrow gauge
A narrow gauge railway is a railway that has a track gauge narrower than the of standard gauge railways. Most existing narrow gauge railways have gauges of between and .- Overview :...
into Northern New Mexico. The line would be built along the Rio Grande
Rio Grande
The Rio Grande is a river that flows from southwestern Colorado in the United States to the Gulf of Mexico. Along the way it forms part of the Mexico – United States border. Its length varies as its course changes...
, later known as the Chili Line
Chili Line
The Chili Line, officially known as the Santa Fe Branch, was a narrow gauge branch of the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad . It ran from Antonito, Colorado, to Santa Fe, New Mexico, United States...
. The route would extend into what today is the downtown Española area, and the railroad began selling lots of property in the area. Many residents of the nearby town of Santa Fe
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe is the capital of the U.S. state of New Mexico. It is the fourth-largest city in the state and is the seat of . Santa Fe had a population of 67,947 in the 2010 census...
where not happy with the decision, and failure of connection. The Española station included an Engine facility station along with a Roundhouse
Roundhouse
A roundhouse is a building used by railroads for servicing locomotives. Roundhouses are large, circular or semicircular structures that were traditionally located surrounding or adjacent to turntables...
and Turntable so they could service the locomotives. The facilities were built but torn down after 6 years, plans for the town had changed. The railroad would later reach Santa Fe to connect with the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway
Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway
The Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway , often abbreviated as Santa Fe, was one of the larger railroads in the United States. The company was first chartered in February 1859...
in 1887.
At the time of construction a small restaurant opened up in the area, owned by the Lucero family, it was called "Las Española's". There was no official name for the village at the time, railroad workers began referring to the area "Espanola" (without the eñe) and quickly the name stuck. The name became official by 1900 and Española would became a small "railroad village". Anglo merchants, mountain men, and settlers slowly filtered into Española.
Frank R. Frankenburger a business man born in Ft. Scott, Kansas was the first mayor, elected in 1923. In 1925 Española was incorporated
Municipal corporation
A municipal corporation is the legal term for a local governing body, including cities, counties, towns, townships, charter townships, villages, and boroughs. Municipal incorporation occurs when such municipalities become self-governing entities under the laws of the state or province in which...
as a city. As the population rose, there was a high demand for public education in the city, Española High School was established, it would be the largest school in the area for decades. The first high school in the area however, was Santa Cruz High School
Santa Cruz High School (Española, New Mexico)
The old Santa Cruz High School was located in Santa Cruz, New Mexico. The school opened in 1925 to a group of 89 students. In 1925 it was the only high school in Española until 1930 when Española High School opened. The colors for SCHS were Royal Blue and Gold and their mascot was a Crusader. In...
. Two miles away from downtown Española, it opened in 1906 in the historic Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, New Mexico
Santa Cruz is a census-designated place in Santa Fe County, New Mexico, United States. It is part of the Santa Fe, New Mexico Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 423 at the 2000 census.-Colonial period:...
area. Today, both high schools are no longer in existence after a merger of school districts in 1975.
The existence of the railroad began to dissipate, minimal passenger traffic and low shippments forced the railroad to close in the early 1940s. Many locals would become unemployed and would follow the railroad to Santa Fe
Santa Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe is the capital of the U.S. state of New Mexico. It is the fourth-largest city in the state and is the seat of . Santa Fe had a population of 67,947 in the 2010 census...
, Albuquerque and central Colorado
Colorado
Colorado is a U.S. state that encompasses much of the Rocky Mountains as well as the northeastern portion of the Colorado Plateau and the western edge of the Great Plains...
for jobs. Española's population would fall dramatically and many homes in downtown became abandoned. Most of the locals that remained, would turn to farming as a way of life. Many people saw Española as another failed railroad town.
Along came the 1970s, Many historical buildings, 'mom/pop shops' and homes were torn down. Modern business began to move into the downtown area. However, most would fail due opportunities moving across the city, although several buildings of historical significance remain downtown Española many are unused or abandoned. The city removed the railroad tracks and the train depot in 1950, and the existence of railroads completely vanished. With the beginnings of Manhattan Project
Manhattan Project
The Manhattan Project was a research and development program, led by the United States with participation from the United Kingdom and Canada, that produced the first atomic bomb during World War II. From 1942 to 1946, the project was under the direction of Major General Leslie Groves of the US Army...
in the nearby city of Los Alamos
Los Alamos, New Mexico
Los Alamos is a townsite and census-designated place in Los Alamos County, New Mexico, United States, built upon four mesas of the Pajarito Plateau and the adjoining White Rock Canyon. The population of the CDP was 12,019 at the 2010 Census. The townsite or "the hill" is one part of town while...
many locals would find jobs at the Los Alamos National Laboratory
Los Alamos National Laboratory
Los Alamos National Laboratory is a United States Department of Energy national laboratory, managed and operated by Los Alamos National Security , located in Los Alamos, New Mexico...
, which would later employee nearly 9% of Española's population. In 1970 the city's population would triple in size.
A controversial plan to build a "plaza
Plaza
Plaza is a Spanish word related to "field" which describes an open urban public space, such as a city square. All through Spanish America, the plaza mayor of each center of administration held three closely related institutions: the cathedral, the cabildo or administrative center, which might be...
" and Misión
Misión
Misión may refer to:*Misión, Baja California Sur*Misión, Sonora*La Misión , Coahuila*La Misión, Coahuila*La Misión, Hidalgo*La Misión , Tamaulipas*La Misión , Tamaulipas*La Misión, Sinaloa...
church where many historic buildings once stood was up for consideration. In the late 1990s the city went with the plan, and locals supported the plaza. Although a plaza never existed in Española before the railroads, it was built to tribute to the Spanish culture in the area.
Frank Bond Family Legacy
Franklin Bond (1863-1945) is believed as one of the founders of the city, he was also the first multiple merchant owner in Española. He was a wool grower who emigrated from CanadaCanada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
in 1882. Bond would later married May Anna Caffell of Pueblo, Colorado
Pueblo, Colorado
Pueblo is a Home Rule Municipality that is the county seat and the most populous city of Pueblo County, Colorado, United States. The population was 106,595 in 2010 census, making it the 246th most populous city in the United States....
. At age 21, He established the largest mercantile company
Company
A company is a form of business organization. It is an association or collection of individual real persons and/or other companies, who each provide some form of capital. This group has a common purpose or focus and an aim of gaining profits. This collection, group or association of persons can be...
in New Mexico (Espanola Mercantile), along with G.W. Bond & Bros, and Bond & Nohl companies with his brother George, who was already living in New Mexico. In addition to running the retail business, Frank Bond acquired extensive tracts of land, including the Valle Grande (Baca Location) in the Jemez Mountains
Jemez Mountains
The Jemez Mountains are a volcanic group of mountains in New Mexico, United States. The highest point in the range is Chicoma Mountain at an elevation of 11,561 feet . The town of Los Alamos and Los Alamos National Laboratory adjoin the eastern side of the range while the town of Jemez Springs...
. Using this land to raise sheep, he quickly took advantage of the lucrative wool market. His businesses expanded to include wool storage and marketing ventures. In 1924 Bond was spoken of as a possible gubernatorial candidate and again in 1928, but preferred the more reserved work of building the state's economic enterprises than serving in politics. In 1925, Bond temporarily relocated to Albuquerque, establishing business ventures such as the Wool Warehouse Company with his son, Franklin Bond Jr., and other partners.
When Franklin Bond Sr. died in 1945, his son took over as president of Frank Bond & Son. He held the vast family interests until his sudden death from illness in 1953. At that time, with no family member able to manage operations, the family began selling off assets and the company was liquidated. The family also owned mercantiles in Wagon Mound
Wagon Mound, New Mexico
Wagon Mound is a village in Mora County, New Mexico, United States. It is named after and located at the foot of a butte called Wagon Mound, which was a landmark for covered wagon trains and traders going up and down the Santa Fe Trail and is now Wagon Mound National Historic Landmark. The shape...
and Roy
Roy, New Mexico
Roy is a village in Harding County, New Mexico, United States. The population was 304 at the 2000 census. The village has massively been losing population, but is still a major center for Northeastern New Mexico....
.
The Bond Family home, which began as a small adobe home grew into a large two-story home, modeling the neoclassical revival
Neoclassicism
Neoclassicism is the name given to Western movements in the decorative and visual arts, literature, theatre, music, and architecture that draw inspiration from the "classical" art and culture of Ancient Greece or Ancient Rome...
style it still exists in downtown. The city purchased the building in the 1970s. The Bond family name has held a strong family legacy, there are 3rd and 4th generations of the Frank Bond name. The family no longer resides in the city.
The Spanish Capital
The Española Valley (known as the "San Juan Valley" to the early Spaniards) is also known as the first European-founded capital of the "New World." In 1598 Don Juan de OñateJuan de Oñate
Don Juan de Oñate y Salazar was a Spanish explorer, colonial governor of the New Spain province of New Mexico, and founder of various settlements in the present day Southwest of the United States.-Biography:...
declared a capital for Spain
Spain
Spain , officially the Kingdom of Spain languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Spain's official name is as follows:;;;;;;), is a country and member state of the European Union located in southwestern Europe on the Iberian Peninsula...
the area of Don Diego de Vargas
Diego de Vargas
Diego de Vargas Zapata y Luján Ponce de León y Contreras , commonly known as Don Diego de Vargas, was a Spanish Governor of the New Spain territory of Santa Fe de Nuevo México, today the U.S. states of New Mexico and Arizona, titular 1690 – 1692, effective 1692 – 1696 and 1703 – 1704...
' new villa at Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, New Mexico
Santa Cruz is a census-designated place in Santa Fe County, New Mexico, United States. It is part of the Santa Fe, New Mexico Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 423 at the 2000 census.-Colonial period:...
. Oñate arrived in the Española Valley on July 11, 1598 at the confluence of the Chama River and the Rio Grande, where he established a camp at a place then called Yunque-Yunque. He created a Spanish settlement in an area already inhabited by the indigenous descendants of the Anasazi. The treatment of the natives was typical of the Conquistador
Conquistador
Conquistadors were Spanish soldiers, explorers, and adventurers who brought much of the Americas under the control of Spain in the 15th to 16th centuries, following Europe's discovery of the New World by Christopher Columbus in 1492...
es at that time, with enslavement and brutality being a mainstay, despite the initially warm welcome.
Recent history
In 1998, Española celebrated the 400th Anniversary of the colonization by the Spanish and the founding of the first permanent European colony in North America. The event was celebratory for some and controversial for others; on January 5, 1998 someone cut the foot off of a sculpture of Juan de OñateJuan de Oñate
Don Juan de Oñate y Salazar was a Spanish explorer, colonial governor of the New Spain province of New Mexico, and founder of various settlements in the present day Southwest of the United States.-Biography:...
in the Oñate Monument Visitors Center. A group calling itself Brothers of Acoma claimed responsibility.
Heroin use in the area increased rapidly beginning in the 1970s. In the period 2001–2005, Rio Arriba County
Rio Arriba County, New Mexico
-2010:Whereas according to the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau:*51.6% White*0.5% Black*16.0% Native American*0.4% Asian*0.0% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander*3.3% Two or more races*28.2% Other races*71.3% Hispanic or Latino -2000:...
had the highest per capita rate of drug fatalities in the country, with 42.5 deaths per 100,000 population compared to 7.3 nationally.
On September 18, 2008 then Sen. Barack Obama, a Democratic nominee for President of the United States, visited Española for a rally at the city's New Plaza in the Main Street district. Nearly 10,000 people packed the Plaza from around the Española Valley.
Española has a large number of Hispanics and a large majority are Democrats.
Geography
Española is located at 36°0′7"N 106°3′53"W (36.001884, -106.064587).According to the United States Census Bureau
United States Census Bureau
The United States Census Bureau is the government agency that is responsible for the United States Census. It also gathers other national demographic and economic data...
, the city has a total area of 21.9 square kilometres (8.5 sq mi). 21.7 square kilometres (8.4 sq mi) of it is land and 0.2 square kilometre (0.077220431718507 sq mi) of it is water. The total area covered by water is 0.83%.
Española is over a mile high at an elevation of around 5595 feet (1,705.4 m) with much variance. It is in a valley nestled between the Jemez
Jemez Mountains
The Jemez Mountains are a volcanic group of mountains in New Mexico, United States. The highest point in the range is Chicoma Mountain at an elevation of 11,561 feet . The town of Los Alamos and Los Alamos National Laboratory adjoin the eastern side of the range while the town of Jemez Springs...
and Sangre de Cristo
Sangre de Cristo Mountains
The Sangre de Cristo Mountains are the southernmost subrange of the Rocky Mountains. They are located in southern Colorado and northern New Mexico in the United States...
mountain ranges, and the meeting point of three rivers, the Rio Grande
Rio Grande
The Rio Grande is a river that flows from southwestern Colorado in the United States to the Gulf of Mexico. Along the way it forms part of the Mexico – United States border. Its length varies as its course changes...
, the Rio Chama, and the Rio Santa Cruz.
Climate
July is the warmest month in Española, the Average is 91 °F (32.8 °C).The highest recorded temperature was 107 °F (41.7 °C) in 2003. The average coolest month is January at 45 °F (7.2 °C).
The lowest recorded temperature was -38 °F in 1971. The maximum average precipitation occurs in August with an average of 1.9 inches (48.3 mm).
Air Quality
According to an annual report by the American Lung AssociationAmerican Lung Association
The American Lung Association is a voluntary health organization whose mission is to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease.-History:...
, the Santa Fe-Espanola CSA (metropolitan area) has the cleanest Ozone layer in the country (ranked #1), cleanest area in the country for 24-hour particle pollution (ranked #1) and cleanest area in the country for annual particle pollution (ranked #2).
Demographics
At the censusCensus
A census is the procedure of systematically acquiring and recording information about the members of a given population. It is a regularly occurring and official count of a particular population. The term is used mostly in connection with national population and housing censuses; other common...
of 2000, there were 9,688 people, 5,751 households, and 4,569 families residing in the city. The population density
Population density
Population density is a measurement of population per unit area or unit volume. It is frequently applied to living organisms, and particularly to humans...
was 1,155.4 people per square mile (446.4/km²). There were 5,107 housing units at an average density of 189.2/square kilometer (489.8/square mile). The racial makeup of the city was 67.55% White, 0.58% African American, 2.86% Native American, 0.14% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 25.56% from other races, and 3.25% from two or more races. 84.38% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.
There were 5,751 households, of which 35.6% had children under the age of eighteen living with them, 42.5% were married couples
Marriage
Marriage is a social union or legal contract between people that creates kinship. It is an institution in which interpersonal relationships, usually intimate and sexual, are acknowledged in a variety of ways, depending on the culture or subculture in which it is found...
living together, 18.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.5% were non-families. 26.2% of all households were made up of single individuals, and 9.7% had someone living alone who was sixty-five years of age or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 3.08.
In the city the population was spread out, with 27.8% under the age of 18, 9.7% from 18 to 24, 28.1% from 25 to 44, 22.1% from 45 to 64, and 12.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was thirty-four years. For every 100 females there were 95.3 males. For every 100 females aged eighteen and over, there were 94.6 males.
The median income for a household in the city was $27,144, and the median income for a family was $32,255. Males had a median income of $25,558 versus $23,177 for females. The per capita income
Per capita income
Per capita income or income per person is a measure of mean income within an economic aggregate, such as a country or city. It is calculated by taking a measure of all sources of income in the aggregate and dividing it by the total population...
for the city was $14,303. 21.6% of the population and 16.5% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 28.4% of those under the age of eighteen and 15.1% of those sixty-five and older were living below the poverty line.
Economy
In the past 4 years Española has seen a lot of development on Riverside Drive, the city's secondary main road. Lowe's Home Improvement and Chili'sChili's
Chili's Grill & Bar is a restaurant chain founded by Larry Lavine. The chain has more than 1400 casual dining restaurants, mostly located in the United States and Canada...
, are anchors of a massive shopping center located next to Wal-Mart
Wal-Mart
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. , branded as Walmart since 2008 and Wal-Mart before then, is an American public multinational corporation that runs chains of large discount department stores and warehouse stores. The company is the world's 18th largest public corporation, according to the Forbes Global 2000...
which was built in 1999. Many other stores such as CVS/Pharmacy and Petsense have added or will build locations in Española. However, most residents are employed at near-by city Los Alamos
Los Alamos, New Mexico
Los Alamos is a townsite and census-designated place in Los Alamos County, New Mexico, United States, built upon four mesas of the Pajarito Plateau and the adjoining White Rock Canyon. The population of the CDP was 12,019 at the 2010 Census. The townsite or "the hill" is one part of town while...
at the Los Alamos National Laboratory
Los Alamos National Laboratory
Los Alamos National Laboratory is a United States Department of Energy national laboratory, managed and operated by Los Alamos National Security , located in Los Alamos, New Mexico...
.
At Española Industrial Park, Nambe Mills (relocated from Santa Fe in what will be a multi-phase move of their entire silver working operation) is in the forefront of an industrial expansion that may soon see a host of businesses taking advantage of the city's relatively low-cost industrial land.
Agriculture
Irrigation ditches, set up by the Spanish helped them to prosper as an agrarian society. These life-giving lines are, in some ways, the only things that remain unchanged in Española today. While there is a tangible feeling of pride for culture and family amongst Hispanics and natives, there is an ever-increasing influence and presence of people that do not belong to either of these groups.The prosperous agrarian society of the natives and the Spanish was replaced by a money-based system with the introduction of the railroad. As is typical throughout history, this disadvantaged many locals. They were forced to adopt a system for which they lacked the education. Many continued to farm, and their families still do today; however, they were taught to farm to sell rather than to sustain, and so were also disadvantaged. With poverty and gentrification came fewer resources for the community.
Notable films shot in town
- The Milagro Beanfield WarThe Milagro Beanfield WarThe Milagro Beanfield War is a 1988 American drama film based on the John Nichols novel of the same name, the first book in a trilogy. It was directed by Robert Redford and the screenplay was written by Nichols and David S. Ward...
(1988) - Over Her Dead BodyOver Her Dead BodyOver Her Dead Body is a romantic comedy film starring Eva Longoria, Paul Rudd, Lake Bell, Jason Biggs, Lindsay Sloane, Ali Hillis, Colin Fickes and Stephen Root. It was written and directed by Jeff Lowell. Kate dies on the day of her wedding to fiancé Henry...
(1990) - The Cowboy Way (1994)
- The Hi-Lo CountryThe Hi-Lo CountryThe Hi-Lo Country is a 1998 American Western/drama film directed by Stephen Frears, starring Billy Crudup, Woody Harrelson, Cole Hauser, Sam Elliott, Patricia Arquette, Penelope Cruz, Enrique Castillo, and Katy Jurado...
(1998) - The Astronaut FarmerThe Astronaut FarmerThe Astronaut Farmer is a 2006 American drama film directed by Michael Polish, who co-wrote the screenplay with his brother Mark. The story focuses on a Texas rancher who constructs a rocket in his barn and, against all odds, launches himself into outer space.-Plot:Charles Farmer is a former...
(2006) - Crazy HeartCrazy HeartCrazy Heart is a 2009 American musical-drama film, written and directed by Scott Cooper and based on the 1987 novel of the same name by Thomas Cobb. Jeff Bridges plays a down-and-out country music singer-songwriter who tries to turn his life around after beginning a relationship with a young...
(2009) - Spoken WordSpoken wordSpoken word is a form of poetry that often uses alliterated prose or verse and occasionally uses metered verse to express social commentary. Traditionally it is in the first person, is from the poet’s point of view and is themed in current events....
(2009)
Largest employers
| # | Employer | # of Employees |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Los Alamos National Laboratory Los Alamos National Laboratory Los Alamos National Laboratory is a United States Department of Energy national laboratory, managed and operated by Los Alamos National Security , located in Los Alamos, New Mexico... |
1,740 |
| 2 | Espanola Public Schools Espanola Public Schools Española Public School District #55 or Española Public Schools is a school district based in Española, New Mexico, USA.... |
710 |
| 3 | Northern New Mexico College Northern New Mexico College Northern New Mexico College, formerly known as Northern New Mexico Community College, is a two-year and four-year degree granting institution with campuses in Española and El Rito, New Mexico... |
550 |
| 4 | State of New Mexico, Government Government Government refers to the legislators, administrators, and arbitrators in the administrative bureaucracy who control a state at a given time, and to the system of government by which they are organized... |
510 |
| 5 | Española Hospital Hospital A hospital is a health care institution providing patient treatment by specialized staff and equipment. Hospitals often, but not always, provide for inpatient care or longer-term patient stays.... |
280 |
| 6 | Indian Pueblos Gaming Casino In modern English, a casino is a facility which houses and accommodates certain types of gambling activities. Casinos are most commonly built near or combined with hotels, restaurants, retail shopping, cruise ships or other tourist attractions... |
240 |
| 7 | Jemez Valley Electric Company Electric company Electric company can mean:*Electrical power industry*Electric Company *The Electric Company *The Electric Company... |
110 |
| 8 | Wal-Mart Wal-Mart Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. , branded as Walmart since 2008 and Wal-Mart before then, is an American public multinational corporation that runs chains of large discount department stores and warehouse stores. The company is the world's 18th largest public corporation, according to the Forbes Global 2000... Corporation |
105 |
| 9 | Lowe's Home Improvement Corp. | 70 |
| 10 | City of Española Government Government Government refers to the legislators, administrators, and arbitrators in the administrative bureaucracy who control a state at a given time, and to the system of government by which they are organized... |
70 |
Immigrant culture
There has been a steady influx of documented immigration to the Valley for the last decade, which has significantly increased their visibility and influence in the area. Española (especially the neighboring community of Sombrillo) is also home to the largest community of ethnically diverse SikhSikh
A Sikh is a follower of Sikhism. It primarily originated in the 15th century in the Punjab region of South Asia. The term "Sikh" has its origin in Sanskrit term शिष्य , meaning "disciple, student" or शिक्ष , meaning "instruction"...
s in the world. While most Sikhs descend from the Punjab region of India, the Sikhs in Española come from all over the world.
Activities
Española's restaurants and convenience stores are popular with travelers between Santa FeSanta Fe, New Mexico
Santa Fe is the capital of the U.S. state of New Mexico. It is the fourth-largest city in the state and is the seat of . Santa Fe had a population of 67,947 in the 2010 census...
and northern communities, as well as with local people. The local fiesta
Festival
A festival or gala is an event, usually and ordinarily staged by a local community, which centers on and celebrates some unique aspect of that community and the Festival....
s are held in the summer and include live New Mexican-style Spanish or country music, vendors, and many locals.
There are many locations near Española to do almost any outdoor activity such as hiking, biking, and river sports like rafting and kayaking. Nearby winter sports include skiing (downhill and cross-country) and snowboarding.
Community aquatic centers
- Penny Roybal Garcia Aquatic Center
- Richard L. Lucero Center
| Española City Council | |
|---|---|
| Alice Lucero (D Democratic Party (United States) The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous... ) |
Mayor |
| Dennis Tim Salazar (D Democratic Party (United States) The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous... ) |
1st District |
| Pedro "Pete" Valdez (R Republican Party (United States) The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S... ) |
1st District |
| Helen K. Salazar (R Republican Party (United States) The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S... ) |
2nd District |
| Gregory Ortega (D Democratic Party (United States) The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous... ) |
2nd District |
| Rosario "Chayo" Garcia (R Republican Party (United States) The Republican Party is one of the two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Democratic Party. Founded by anti-slavery expansion activists in 1854, it is often called the GOP . The party's platform generally reflects American conservatism in the U.S... ) |
3rd District |
| Cecilla Lujan (D Democratic Party (United States) The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous... ) |
3rd District |
| Robert Seeds (D Democratic Party (United States) The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous... ) |
4th District |
| Corey Lewis (D Democratic Party (United States) The Democratic Party is one of two major contemporary political parties in the United States, along with the Republican Party. The party's socially liberal and progressive platform is largely considered center-left in the U.S. political spectrum. The party has the lengthiest record of continuous... ) |
4th District |
Community parks
- Española Plaza
- Mainstreet Veterans Memorial Park
- Ranchitos Park
- Valdez Memorial Park
Government
The city of Española is served by an elected four-year term mayorMayor
In many countries, a Mayor is the highest ranking officer in the municipal government of a town or a large urban city....
and an eight-member city council
City council
A city council or town council is the legislative body that governs a city, town, municipality or local government area.-Australia & NZ:Because of the differences in legislation between the States, the exact definition of a City Council varies...
. The Española City Council is the legislative authority of the city, and has the power to adopt all ordinances, resolutions, or other legislation. The council members are elected from the eight council districts on four-year terms, with four districted Councilors elected every two years. One of the council members is elected by the members of the council to be the mayor pro tempore. The mayor can approve or veto
Veto
A veto, Latin for "I forbid", is the power of an officer of the state to unilaterally stop an official action, especially enactment of a piece of legislation...
any decision made by the council. However, the council can override the mayor's veto with a five out of eight member vote.
| Mayors of Española | |
|---|---|
| Name | Years served |
| F.R. Frankenburger | 1923-1929 |
| Dr. Tobias Espinosa | 1929-1932 |
| M.D. Wright | 1932-1934 |
| Diego Salazar | 1934-1950 |
| John Block Jr. | 1950-1954 |
| Joe E. Roybal | 1954-1958 |
| Cipriano Vigil | 1958-1966 |
| Epimenio Vigil | 1966-1968 |
| Richard Lucero Richard Lucero Richard L. Lucero, a New Mexico businessman, was the longest serving mayor of Española, New Mexico, serving on and off for 22 years.Lucero is the owner of Country Farm Supply, a store on Española's main street, that his family have owned since the 1970s... |
1968-1974 |
| Santiago Martinez | 1974-1982 |
| Consuelo S. Thompson | 1982-1986 |
| Richard Lucero Richard Lucero Richard L. Lucero, a New Mexico businessman, was the longest serving mayor of Española, New Mexico, serving on and off for 22 years.Lucero is the owner of Country Farm Supply, a store on Española's main street, that his family have owned since the 1970s... |
1986-1994 |
| Ross Chavez | 1994-1998 |
| Richard Lucero Richard Lucero Richard L. Lucero, a New Mexico businessman, was the longest serving mayor of Española, New Mexico, serving on and off for 22 years.Lucero is the owner of Country Farm Supply, a store on Española's main street, that his family have owned since the 1970s... |
1998-2006 |
| Joseph Maestas Joseph Maestas Joseph M. Maestas is an American politician and the former mayor of Española, New Mexico.Maestas has also served as president of Hispanic Elected Local Officials, on the board of directors of the National League of Cities, and as president of the New Mexico Municipal League, a nonprofit,... |
2006-2010 |
| Alice Lucero | 2010-Present |
Elementary schools
- James H. Rodriguez ElementaryJames H. Rodriguez ElementaryJames H. Rodriguez is an elementary school in the City of Española, New Mexico. The school has 408 students and the current principal is Maxine Abeyta. It was built in 1962, on the site of an old baseball field, and originally named Española Elementary. Its name was changed in the fall of 2002 to...
- Eutimio "Tim" Salazar III Elementary
- Tony Quintana Elementary
Private Schools
- McCurdy High SchoolMcCurdy High SchoolMcCurdy High School is a K-12 Private school in the city of Española, New Mexico. Founded in 1912 as a mission school; its mission statement is "Providing a quality education with a Christian emphasis." ....
- Holy Cross Catholic School
Library
Espanola Public Library is located inside the Richard Lucero Center at 313 North Paseo De Oñate. Its collection is about 50,000 items.The 2008–2009 library budget is $248,735.
Notable or Native Residents
- Scott TiptonScott TiptonScott R. Tipton is the U.S. Representative for . In November 2010, he defeated three-term incumbent Democrat John Salazar, whom he lost to in 2006 by a wide margin. He was a member of the Colorado House of Representatives and a co-owner of a pottery company in Cortez, Colorado...
, Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Colorado's 3rd districtColorado's 3rd congressional districtColorado's 3rd congressional district is a congressional district in the U.S. state of Colorado. The district is located in western and south central Colorado, encompassing most of the rural Western Slope...
. Born in Española, 1956
External links
- City website
- Community website
- Chamber of Commerce
- McCurdy School
- Rio Grande Sun - Local Newspaper
- More images of Obama's 2008 visit, at Flickr
- Photos of the crowd at Obama's 2008 visit, at Flickr
- Española featured on NPR's State of the Re:UnionState of the Re:UnionState of the Re:Union is a nationally aired Public Radio show created and hosted by playwright and performance artist Al Letson. With a journalistic, documentary-style approach, the hour-long program focuses exclusively on one city or town in the scope of an episode featuring interviews,...