Video compliments of Bob Turner
AKA/Magneticbottle

                    Vive Nuevo Mexjico

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Fondly known as the 'Land of Enchantment' New Mexico territory is one of the last in the USA to aquire 'State Hood' only becoming a state in 1912.

FIRST PEOPLES

Native American groups have inhabited the territory of New Mexico since shortly after the time of Christ. Their cliff dwellings and pit houses, ancient kivas, abandoned cities along ancient trade routes, and mysterious symbols etched in rock serve as strong reminders that New Mexico was home to native cultures several centuries before the Europeans reached the Americas. Evidence exists to this day in the structures at Chaco Canyon, Bandelier, Puye, Gila, Aztec, and Salmon.

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EARLY DWELINGS

NAVAJO HOGAN

TAOS PUEBLO

ACOMA PUEBLO

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EARLY SPANISH EXPLORERS

Some 100 years before the pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, Spanish explorers made their way into present-day New Mexico. In 1532, Alvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca led the first European expedition into the region. Other explorers quickly followed, inspired by rumors that he had discovered Seven Cities of Gold. Some historians believe that the golden glow of adobe pueblos, their mica-inflected clay inflamed by the setting sun, created an optical illusion that spawned the belief that such a place existed.

The states of New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, and Utah come together at "Four Corners" in the northwestern corner of New Mexico, my home is in the North Central part called Mora after the Mora Valley where its situated. Tall green pines mixed with aspen trees which make a beautiful sight in the fall.

Prior to Spanish conquest, the Mora area was Indian country. Although not an area of heavy Indian settlement by such tribes as the Pueblo Indians, the Mora valley was much used by nomadic tribes: the Utes, Navajos and Apache. Throughout the 19th century, Indian raids were common. The Mora Valley then became a travel-way for those Spanish explorers mentioned above and other families that came with explorers. Mora was not settled until the early part of the 19th century. The history of the settlement of Mora dates to 1817.

The then governor of 'New Mexico Territory' Albino Perez applied to Mexico for a land grant and was given land title for over 800,000 acres to some 25 families. Here are some of the first families to obtain land grants: Juan Lorenzo Alico,Carmen Arce
Jose Maestas Archuleta,Manuel Arguella,Felipe Arguello,Francisco Arguello,Miguel Arguello,Felipe Carbajal,Francisco Coven,Juan B. Cruz,Jose Maria Garcia,Juan Antonio Garcia,Miguel Garcia,Tomas Encarnacion Garcia,Ignacio Gonzalez,Francisco Lara,Gabriel Lujan,Jose Ignacio Madrid,Bernardo Martin,Geronimo Martin,Manuel Gregorio Martin,Miguel Mascarenas,Cruz Medina,Cecilio Montano,Jose Guadalupe Ortega,Manuel Paez,Miguel Paez,Ildefonso Pacheco,Jose Miguel Pacheco,Mateo Ringinel,Carlos Rinto,Carlos Salazar,Maria Dolores Sanches,Francisco Sandoval,Manuel Sanchez,Francisco Sena,Manuel Suazo,Jose Tapia,Antonio Alba Trujillo,Juan Cristobal Trujillo,Juan Trujillo,Esteban Valdez. These are most of the main families on record who were awarded 'Mexican Land Grants'in the Mora area. Im proud to say that many of the offspring from these families are still in Mora and still have the same names as their Great Grandparents too. Not so many Manuels as there used to be back then though.

THE HOMESTEAD ACT OF 1862

In the late 1800s when the area was already a part of the United States my Great Grandfather and his oldest son Epipano were able to qualifiy for 'The Homestead Act'.
The Homestead Act of 1862 has been called one the most important pieces of Legislation in the history of the United States. Signed into law in 1862 by Abraham Lincoln after the secession of southern states, this Act turned over vast amounts of the public domain to private citizens. 270 millions acres, or 10% of the area of the United States was claimed and settled under this act. My Grandfather and Uncle both were able to get one section of land each, 640 acres. The homesteader would be required to improve the land ie; build a home and eventually fence his land. Money and supplies being in short supply the homesteaders would use anything including digging out the side of a hill to save on these supplies.

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SOD HOUSE

SOD HOUSE

SOD HOUSE

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In the heart of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Mora is centrally located in the state and only 1.5 hr drive to the Taos Ski Valley, 2 hrs to the capital, Santa Fe, NM and 3 hrs to Albuquerque International Airport. Backpacking , fishing, hunting and camping are the most popular things to do around Mora. After you've had a long day out on the trail you can relax in one of the many hot springs. SOOOO SOOOTHING!

                    VARIOUS HOT SPRINGS

In the 1960s Taos, Ojo Sarco, Ojo Caliente and Arroyo Secco were very popular for Communes and attracted many people from all over the USA. Some to dodge the draft, some to get back to nature and I suppose some drove thru the area and just couldn't leave the enchanting place.

Remember the cool vehicals of the times?

               Mode of Transport 1960's

Many of those families are still around and took advantage of those times when land prices were cheap! Some even went on to become Holistic Healers, Doctors, Dentists and Midwife. Just a few that come to mind of the "La Sierra Gang" are, Dan and Maya, Midnite (a midwife), John the dentist, although John was always partial to Bali so dun know if he is still around. So many i can't remember them all. Some been there longer than me.

It would only a few months after buying my humble little cabin I was to be drafted into the Army, then after discharge i only stayed partime....didn't have the skills that it takes to live in that kind of country. Never appreciated the solitude not being the type to love reading alot and when winter comes! Wow, u may never see a soul for a while.... and my place is just on the highway, imagine the Sierra bunch. Made a worse cowboy......couldn't ride for SHEEEEEEE! 1978 got married once again in Califa and like my first wife she didn't take to NM. Just my luck.

All I can say now is.....

NINETYSIX TEARS

WHITE RABBIT