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 BANCROFT LIBRARY 
 
NEW MEXICO. 
 
 TERRITORIAL 
 
 BUREAU OF IMMIGRATION 
 
 REPORT 
 
 AS TO 
 
 RIO ARRIBA COUNTY. 
 
 This Report was prepared by 
 
 SAMUEL ELDODT, 
 
 Commissioner of Immigration, Rio Arriba County. 
 
 SANTA FE, N. M. : 
 
 NEW MEXICAN BOOK AND JOB PKINTING DEPARTMENT. 
 1881. 
 
OFFICERS AND COMMISSIONERS 
 
 BUREAU OF IMMIGRATION. 
 
 OFFICERS. 
 
 L. BRADFORD PRINCE, President. TRINIDAD ROMERO, Vice President. 
 L. SPIEGELBERG, Treasurer JNO. H. THOMSON, Secretary. 
 
 MEMBERS. 
 
 At Large. 
 
 THE GOVERNOR, ex-Of 'o, Santa Fe. LEHMAN SPIEGELBEKG, Sauta Fe. 
 L. BRADFORD PRINCE, Santa Fe. T. F. CONWAY, Santa Fe. 
 
 WILLIAM KROENIG, Watrous. 
 
 By Counties. 
 
 For BernuliUo For Rio Arriba 
 
 WM. C. HAZLEDINE, Albuquerque, SAMUEL ELDODT, San Juan. 
 
 For Colfax For &o<t<t Ft 
 
 HARRY WHICH AM, Cimarron. ROMULO MARTINEZ, Sauta Fe. 
 
 For DOIM A>m SAMUEL ELLISON, Santa Fe. 
 
 A. J. FOUNTAIN, Mesilla. 
 
 For Grant 
 W. H. LAWRENCE, Silver City. 
 For Lincoln 
 
 J. C. LEA, ROB well. 
 
 B. H. ELLIS, Lincoln. 
 For Mora 
 
 RAFAEL ROMERO, La Cueva. 
 
 For fin a 
 
 TRINIDAD ROMERO, Las Vegas. 
 J. H. KOOGLER, Las Vegas. 
 
 For Sovorro 
 
 ANTONIO ABEYTIA Y A., Socorro. 
 MICHAEL FISHER, Socorro. 
 
 For T<ios 
 ANTHONY JOSEPH, Taos. 
 
 For VulenCM TRANQUILINO LUNA, Los LunaS. 
 
Bancroft Library 
 
 REPORT 
 
 OF THE 
 
 OP RIO ARRIBA COUNTY. 
 
 Rio Arriba county is situated in the northwestern part of the 
 Territory of New Mexico. It extends from east to west, its length 
 being about 250 miles, and its breadth about 90 miles, comprising 
 an area greater than that of some of our most important states, and 
 its average altitude or elevation above the sea-level is about 7,000 
 feet. 
 
 Its surface is broken, consisting principally of hilly and moun- 
 tainous country, interspersed with fine rivers, the vallies of which 
 are as remarkable for their loveliness, as they are for their fertility. 
 Through this favored and favorite county flows the beautiful river, 
 so famous in song and story, the proud and majestic Rio Grande, 
 the picturesque banks of which fair stream literally "blossom as the 
 rose;" this being especially true of that portion known as the San 
 Juan valley, extending from La Joya to Santa Clara, a distance of 
 about twenty miles, where by the potency of this lordly stream the 
 bright vision of the poet is most amply verified and "Health and 
 Peace and smiling Plenty reign." 
 
 The Territory of New Mexico has long been misrepresented on 
 account of the fact that it was literally "The Great Unknown;" but 
 since the fortunate advent of railroads it is no longer regarded as a 
 "vast extent of arid country," "The Great American Desert," the 
 Sahara of the New World;" but it is now, thanks to the spirit of 
 truth, universally recognized for what it really is, the garden of 
 America, the veritable Eden or Paradise of Columbia. 
 
 A word here concerning the history of this Territory. Its 
 name of New Mexico is a misnomer, inasmuch as it is an extremely 
 ancient country, being grey with antiquity long before the discovery 
 
4 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF RIO ARRIBA COUNTY. 
 
 of America by Christopher Columbus, in 1492. Almost everywhere 
 in New Mexico the ruins of Indian pueblos have been discovered, the 
 foundations of which (judging by the depth and nature of the de- 
 posit above them) must have dated back for thousands of years. 
 
 Many of these old towns and cities were of vast extent, some of 
 which are found in the valleys, others on hills and table lands, 
 some upon the mountains, while others again are found far up the 
 face of the high and rocky cliffs, which are nearly if not qnite per- 
 pendicular. 
 
 In the southern portion of this county the quaint and interest- 
 ing habitations of the celebrated Cliff-dwellers are found in various 
 localities, and are well worth a visit, as the like is not to be found 
 in any part of the habitable globe. The question is frequently asked 
 "Why did those people locate their dwellings at such a great altitude, 
 in places almost inaccessible ?" but it should be remembered that as 
 self-preservation was then as now, the first law of being, it was there- 
 fore natural that they should thus locate themselves, for besides the 
 countless hordes of wild Indians, they had to contend with other 
 enemies innumerable, in the shape of gigantic and ferocious animals, 
 long since extinct, the fossil remains of which have often been dis- 
 covered in many different localities. 
 
 Many of the ruins of the cities and towns may be seen still in 
 almost every direction, while many others are hidden from view by 
 the accumulation of the soil, through the agency of the elements, so 
 that the primitive inhabitants of the Territory, must have constituted 
 a population of large size. The character of this prehistoric popula- 
 tion, its numbers, manners, customs and peculiarities, are matters 
 coming more properly within the province of the archaeologist, than 
 of the writer of this pamphlet ; that New Mexico once supported a 
 large number of people, is a fact demonstrated by the scores upon 
 scores of ruins, covering every hill-side or nestling in every valley, 
 and now that the neigh of the iron horse is heard in her canons, 
 and upon her mountain tops, and the spirit of the dead past is tak- 
 ing to flight before the restless, nervous, energetic and intensely prac- 
 tical genius of the present, what may we not expect in the future? 
 
 There have been four distinct epochs in the history of this 
 wonderful region. 1st. The first settlement of the country, thous- 
 ands of years ago by the Cliff-dwellers; 2d. The conquest of the same 
 
REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF RIO ARRIBA COUNTY. 
 
 Ubm 
 
 : It 
 
 centuries ago, by the ambitious Spaniard; 3d. The later occupancy 
 of the country by the Mexican, and 4th. and last, the more recent 
 advent of the ever restless and irresistible American, to whom has 
 been reserved the gigantic task of developing the illimitable resour- 
 ces of this most wonderful country, by which eventually, the entire 
 universe will be enriched in a most material manner. 
 
 Turn we now, however, to the present condition of ihe country 
 and especially of the county which we would remark en passant, 
 through a combination of circumstances, is generally recognized as 
 one of the favorite counties of the Territory. Bancroft J ]\ 
 
 Let us hastily enumerate a few of its manifold advantages: 
 is most abundantly well wooded and watered, possessing extensive 
 forests, sufficient to supply a nation for ages with fuel, building and 
 fencing material, as well as rare woods for cabinet purposes, while 
 its beautiful rivers, chief among which is the ever famous Rio Grande, 
 supplies it with an inexhaustible supply of water, as pure, sweet and 
 cool as can be found in the whole Territory. There are also immense 
 deposits of coal of a superior quality, as well as the best kind of 
 clay for brick making purposes, while there are also vast quarries of 
 excellent building stone of various kinds. 
 
 Being so well wooded and watered, as well as most abundantly 
 supplied with the most nutritious grasses, renders it a country supe- 
 rior for stock raising, as may be fully verified by a glance at the 
 numerous and extensive flocks and herds of sheep and cattle, in a 
 healthy and thriving condition. 
 
 Another advantage which this county posssses for the purposes of 
 stock raising, is that which is found in the shortness and mildness of 
 the winters, which are in truth, so brief and mild, that they do not 
 seem to be winters at all, especially in the southern portion. 
 
 A great variety of rare plants, medicinal herbs of wonderful 
 healing properties, and most fragrant and beautiful flowers, adorn 
 the landscape; while the fair scene id almost constantly enlivened by 
 the sweet songs of lovely birds, of the most gorgeous plumage. 
 
 The soil is exceedingly fertile and easily worked, and even with 
 poor implements and indifferent culture, produces all kinds of vege- 
 tables, corn, wheat and the cereals of fine quality, and in great abund- 
 ance, often yielding as high as 50 bushels to* the acre of wheat, 
 
6 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF RIO ARRIBA COUNTY. 
 
 and with proper tillage and improved farming implements a greater 
 yield could be bad. 
 
 On tbe eastern side of this far-famed valley there are thousands of 
 acres of rich land still awaiting enterprise, to place it under a 
 proper state of cultivation. This land is of a more productive nature 
 than any other within the county limits, and the only thing necessary 
 to develope its hidden wealth, is the construction of an irrigating 
 ditch, for the constant and abundant supply of which, the waters of 
 the never failing Rio Grande are ever at hand. The purchase of 
 this land and the construction of an irrigation ditch, would prove a 
 most excellent investment for capitalists. Portions of this county are 
 especially adapted to the raising of fruit, as may be seen by a glance 
 at the numerous and extensive orchards and gardens, where may be 
 seen many varieties of melons, apples, pears, peaches, plums, cher- 
 ries, grapes, strawberries and other fruits, of the largest size, finest 
 flavor and in great abundance. Indeed, the constant, countless and 
 complicated operations of nature, which have been transpiring for 
 thousauds of years, the decay of vast forests, and gigantic vegetable 
 growths, the decomposition of rocks, the agency of heat, winds and 
 waters, have all united in rendering the soil of such rare nature, that 
 literally, "if you tickle it with a hoe, it laughs wkh a harvest." 
 
 This county is also a paradise for sportsmen, as almost all kinds 
 of fish and wild game are plentiful. Here may be found the snipe, 
 quail, partridge, duck, goose, pigeon and turkey, as well as the hare, 
 deer, bear arid antelope, and all in great abundance. The atmos- 
 phere is clear and pure, and the climate genial, healthy and invigor- 
 ating, the winters short and mild, and the summers long and pleas- 
 ant. Health being the rule here, and disease a rare exception, this 
 locality is remarkable for the longevity of its inhabitants. Diseases 
 of a pulmonary nature, generally yield to the salubrity of this Italian 
 climate. Most of the people live to a good old age. 
 
 Here in this section of the country are the far famed Ojo Cal- 
 iente or hot springs, the waters of which possess great curative 
 powers, as much so as any springs to be found upon the whole con- 
 tinent of America. These springs of world-wide celebrity % are annu- 
 ally visited by a great number of invalids from every part of the civ- 
 ilized world, all of whom soon depart greatly relieved of their pain- 
 
REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF RIO ARRIBA COUNTY. 
 
 ful disorders, and many of whom are speedily and permanently cured. 
 
 It will be readily perceived that New Mexico is pre-eminently 
 the lund of ease, of plenty and of the most unbounded hospitality. 
 
 Now a few observations concerning the mineral wealth of New 
 Mexico, and especially of Rio Arriba county. Writers, of late, have 
 so expatiated upon the mineral resources of their respective counties 
 and districts, that the financial world regards with distrust any state- 
 ment in the slightest degree tinged with enthusiasm. How far this 
 distrust may be justified it is not for the writer to say, but knowing 
 its existence and fearing to arouse any suspicion of good faith by 
 indulging in a rosy liued narrative of the mineral treasures of Rio 
 Arriba county, he prefers to let the subject pass, without any attempt 
 of a detailed description. The mineral veins of Rio Arriba county 
 speak for themselves, in tones more eloquent, than pen can command. 
 The citizens of Rio Arriba county, have not been desirous to organ- 
 ize a mining boom., but it may be said, that for the man of moder- 
 ate capital and good business qualifications.no better mining induce- 
 ments can be found in our country, than those this county has to offer. 
 Our mountains contain illimitable treasures, in the shape of lead, iron, 
 copper, silver, mica and gold, and in the near future this beautiful 
 county is destined to be known throughout the civilized world, as the 
 second and greater California, the true Eldorado of the universe. 
 Rich old mines are found in almost every direction. Some of these 
 mines were worked centuries ago, by the Spaniards, as the remains 
 of their old works and smelters testify. The old shafts have been filled 
 up, however; as is true of all the mines which were worked previous to 
 1680, by the native Indians, who had been made to work them under 
 conditions of great hardship, and after thirteen years rebellion the 
 Spaniards were only able to regain their ascendancy by a compromise 
 with the native races, the chief feature of which was, that there 
 should be no mining done in the territory. Where millions were 
 once taken out of these mines with the aid of rude machinery and an 
 imperfect knowledge of mining, with our improved machinery and 
 better knowledge of mining, is it going too far to say, that we may 
 be able to extract other untold millions. 
 
 Baron Von Humboldt, said that "the wealth of the world will 
 be found in New Mexico and Arizona," while another writer remarks: 
 
8 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF RIO ARRIBA COUNTY. 
 
 "The mineral wealth of New Mexico has not beea developed, it 
 is an established fact, that the mines of Montana and Colorado on the 
 north, Arizona and California on the west and Old Mexico on the 
 south have been developed rich in gold and silver. 
 
 "The geological formation is such that New Mexico must be rich 
 while the evidence of history shows this Territory to have been a rich 
 mining country, when the New England colonist was struggling for 
 existence with the Indians. The simple fact is, that New Mexico in 
 the near future will develop into the richest mining country in the 
 world. The surface indications of the mines of New Mexico, are far 
 superior to those of Colorado, Montana, or California, while in every 
 instance the deeper the shafts have been sunk in the mines, the richer 
 the ores." According to ancient and authentic documents, the die- 
 zeno or tenth part of what was annually extracted from a single old 
 mine in this same county, amounted to several million dollars, and 
 there is no doubt that this Territory, will soon be recognized by 
 all nations of the globe as the great treasure house of the entire uni- 
 verse. 
 
 The coal mines at Almargo, 25 miles north-west from Tierra Am- 
 arilla-, are at present putting out about 225 tons of first-class bitum- 
 inous coal per day. 
 
 Our facilities for transportation are excellent, inasmuch as we 
 have at present a line of communication with the outside world, the 
 Denver and Rio Grande Railway (narrow gauge) a road well man- 
 aged, and apparently conducted upon the principle that the develop- 
 ment of the country through which it runs is its duty, and a mutual 
 benefit to itself and those dependent upon it. 
 
 The great Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe R. R. is also, it is 
 reported, about to enter this rich field, which from its vast area can 
 certainly give occupation to two lines of transportation and travel, 
 and add no little to their already vast yearly income. 
 
 The San Juan extension of The Denver and Rio Grande R. R. 
 runs 62 miles through the north part of the county; the New Mexico 
 extension runs 40 miles nearly south, and the Chama extension when 
 completed will run about 120 miles a little north of west through this 
 county. 
 
 The Atchison, Topeka and Santa FeR. R. is within 20 miles of 
 
REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF RIO ARRIBA COUNTY. 9 
 
 the south boundary of the county, and it is expected that it soon will 
 be connected with the Denver and Rio Grande by rail. 
 
 In short our communication by mail, rail or telegraph is com- 
 plete, so that we now enjoy nearly if not quite all the advantages 
 known in the states. 
 
 The continental divide runs through this county, and at a short 
 distance from the north boundary of the county, runs into a low plat- 
 eau with an elevation of less than 7,200 feet. 
 
 We have also plenty of churches and good schools, where the 
 different branches of learning are taught, in both English and Span- 
 ish, and the county is now pre-eminently distinguished for its devo- 
 tion to the sacred cause of religion and education. 
 
 The following are among some of our principal valleys: 
 
 The valley of the Chama, which is about .150 miles long ; the 
 valley of the El Rito, which is about 30 miles long ; the valley of the 
 Coyote, which is about 30 miles long ; the valley of the Nutritas, 
 which is about 20 miles long ; the valley of the Los Ojos, which is 
 about 15 miles long ; the valley of the Nubajo river, which is about 
 15 miles long ; the valley of the San Juan river, which is about 150 
 miles long; the valley of the Pinos, which is about 12 miles long ; 
 the valley of the Animas, which is about 16 miles long ; and the val- 
 ley of the Marcos, which is about 14 miles long/ But chief among 
 all is the beautiful and justly celebrated San Juan Valley, extending 
 along the banks of the Rio Grande. 
 
 There is also a valley called Laguna de los Caballos, which sig- 
 nifies "Horse Lake;" it is situated about eighteen miles, a little south 
 of west from Tierra Amarilla, the area of which is about 20,000 
 acres. It will store enough water to irrigate at least ten thousand 
 acres of land. North and north-west, between the Laguna and the 
 north boundary of the county, are some twenty lakes, varying in 
 area from 100 to 600 acres, with water sufficient to irrigate at least 
 20,000 to 30,000 acres. In the neighborhood of the lakes are large 
 quantities of excellent land, which only require a systematic use of 
 the water accumulated during every season in these lakes, to render 
 them immensely productive. 
 
 Where Americans and Mexicans have already settled in the San 
 Juan River Valley and its tributaries, they have gardens not excel- 
 led in any portion of the United States, for the production of water 
 
10 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF RIO ARRIBA COUNTY. 
 
 and musk melons, cantelopes, Irish-potatoes, beets, carrots, onions, 
 parsnips, peas, beans, both Mexican and Lima, currants, black, white 
 and red, raspberries and blackberries. This section of the country has 
 not been settled sufficiently long to speak definitely about orchard 
 fruits, but the orchards that have been set out look remarkably 
 thrifty. 
 
 It would be well here to call attention to the remarkable 
 growth of wild hops in this section of the country ; they produce enor- 
 mously. The hop is much larger than any cultivated variety, and 
 it is infinitely richer in essential oils, and with a remarkably rich 
 aroma. The cultivation of this crop, will undoubtedly be a source 
 of immense revenue to this county. 
 
 Here, then, in Rio Arriba county is presented a field as alluring 
 to the laborer, farmer, miner, artizan, merchant or capitalist, as it is 
 full of attractions to the invalid, tourist, pleasure-seeker, traveler, 
 artist and savant, and as we before remarked, it may be truthfully 
 said, that a rare combination of most favorable circumstances have 
 all united in rendering it in a most superlative degree the favored and 
 favorite county of all others within the wide limits of this enchant- 
 ing region, so soon to be known to the nations of the universe, as 
 the ne plus ultra of states, the vast, mighty arid incomparably rich 
 State of New Mexico. 
 
 SAMUEL ELDODT, 
 
 Commissioner of Immigration. 
 SAN JUAN, Rio ARRIBA COUNTY, N. M., August 1st. 1881. 
 

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 PAL JAN 21, 1908