Costilla, New Mexico – Legends of America
Nestled in the northern reaches of Taos County, New Mexico, a stone’s throw from the Colorado border, lies the unassuming village of Costilla. More than just a dot on the map, Costilla is a place where time seems to slow, where the echoes of ancient cultures and the stories of hardy settlers linger in the air. Positioned at the southern gateway to the vast San Luis Valley, Costilla’s history is as rich and textured as the landscape that surrounds it.
A Land Shaped by Millennia
The narrative of Costilla begins long before the arrival of European explorers, tracing back some 12,000 years to the Ute Indians. These indigenous people, considered the oldest continuous residents of Colorado, established a deep connection with the land, drawn to the valley’s abundance and the life-giving waters that flowed through it. Known by other tribes as the "Blue Sky People," a testament to the region’s strikingly clear and intense skies, the Ute thrived in this alpine desert, utilizing its resources for hunting, fishing, farming, and gathering.
As centuries passed, the San Luis Valley became a melting pot of Native American cultures. By 1400 A.D., the Ute shared their homeland with other tribes, each leaving their unique imprint on the region. The Apache and Navajo, hailing from the north, brought their distinct traditions and ways of life. From the south came the Tiwa and Tewa people, adding to the cultural tapestry of the valley. The Comanche, Kiowa, Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribes, venturing from the eastern plains, further diversified the region’s heritage.
The valley’s allure stemmed from its unique geography. Despite its classification as an alpine desert, the presence of freshwater lakes and rivers created a fertile oasis. These water sources transformed the valley into a highly sought-after seasonal hunting ground, attracting diverse tribes who recognized its value for sustenance and survival.
The Arrival of the Spanish
The year 1540 marked a turning point in the history of Costilla, as Spanish conquistadors ventured into the region. Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, a prominent explorer, led the charge, seeking to map and claim these lands for the Spanish Crown. His expedition paved the way for future Spanish exploration and colonization, forever altering the course of the region’s history.
Following in Coronado’s footsteps were other notable explorers, each contributing to the growing Spanish presence in the area. Juan de Onate arrived in 1589, followed by Governor and General Diego de Vargas in 1692, and Governor Juan Bautista de Anza in 1779. These figures played pivotal roles in establishing Spanish control over New Mexico, which lasted from 1589 to 1821.
During this period, the Spanish introduced their language, culture, and religion to the region, profoundly influencing the lives of the indigenous populations. They established settlements, built missions, and implemented agricultural practices that transformed the landscape.
A New Era: Settlement and Growth
The early 1800s witnessed the founding of Costilla as a farming and ranching community, alongside its neighboring towns of Amalia, New Mexico, and Garcia, Colorado. Initially, all three settlements were part of Taos County, New Mexico. The inhabitants of these communities were primarily Hispanic settlers who sought to establish a new life in the fertile valley.
The Mexican-American War brought about significant changes to the region. When the United States emerged victorious, New Mexico became a U.S. Territory, opening up new opportunities for settlers. Following a treaty with the Ute Indians and the establishment of a fort, Hispanic families began migrating north, drawn to the promise of land and prosperity.
The first American census of 1850 documented the presence of approximately 3,000 people in the three small towns, highlighting the growing population and the increasing importance of the region.
Forging a Community: The Pioneers of Costilla
Mariano Arellano and Faustin Medina are remembered as the pioneers who spearheaded the settlement of Costilla in the late 1840s. These men, hailing from Arroyo Hondo, New Mexico, had become familiar with the Costilla area through their travels into Colorado via the San Luis Valley and over the Sangre de Cristo Pass. Recognizing the potential of the land, they sought pasture for their livestock, grazing their sheep and cattle in the area during the summer months.
Over time, Arellano, Medina, and other families decided to establish permanent homes along the Rio Costilla. They constructed adobe houses in a U-shaped rectangle, a design that provided defense against potential threats. In 1849, seven plazas were established along the Rio Costilla to encourage settlement on the Sangre de Cristo Land Grant, further solidifying the community’s presence in the region.
These pioneering families built their lives around four plazas, which served as the heart of the original Costilla community. In the 1850s, they constructed a small church called San Miguel de la Costilla, providing a place of worship and spiritual guidance. The community also undertook the arduous task of digging the "acequia madre," the mother ditch, to irrigate their lands, a testament to their ingenuity and determination. This irrigation system, still in use today, is a tangible reminder of the settlers’ resourcefulness and their commitment to cultivating the land.
Later, a new church was built on the north side of Costilla, and recorded baptisms began in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in 1865. Though it has changed over the years, the white stucco building still serves parishioners today, and a cemetery stands just west of the church.
Changing Borders and Shifting Economies
In 1869, a resurvey of the border between New Mexico and Colorado resulted in Garcia becoming part of Colorado, making it the oldest settlement in the state. This border adjustment had a significant impact on the region, altering the political landscape and influencing the lives of the residents.
The economic focus of Costilla shifted in 1942 when the Rio Costilla Cooperative Livestock Association purchased 80,000 acres of the Sangre de Cristo Land Grant. Cattle ranching became the primary industry in the area, shaping the community’s identity and providing livelihoods for many families.
As the decades passed, the land’s recreational value began to be recognized. In 1983, visitors were granted access to hunt, fish, and camp on designated portions of the ranch, opening up new opportunities for tourism and outdoor recreation.
Costilla Today: A Glimpse into the Past
Today, Costilla is a collection of homes, many abandoned adobe buildings, and the remains of adobe plazas, offering a glimpse into its rich history. Despite its small population of less than 100 residents, the community maintains a post office, a symbol of its enduring spirit and connection to the outside world. State roads 196 and 522 intersect in the community, providing access to and from this isolated yet historically significant village.
Costilla, New Mexico, is more than just a place on a map; it’s a living testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the enduring power of culture, and the indelible mark left by generations of people who have called this land home. Its story is one of ancient traditions, Spanish exploration, pioneer settlement, and economic transformation, all woven together to create a unique and captivating narrative.