Pecos, New Mexico
Nestled along the historic path of Route 66 and cradled within the scenic Pecos River Canyon lies the Village of Pecos, New Mexico. This charming locale, steeped in centuries of history and culture, offers a captivating glimpse into the Southwest’s rich past. From its ancient Pueblo roots to its role in the Santa Fe Trail and its present-day serenity, Pecos, New Mexico, presents a compelling narrative of resilience and adaptation.
The story of Pecos, New Mexico, begins long before European contact. Archaeological evidence suggests human habitation in the area dates back to at least the 8th century. The true heart of the region’s early history is found in the nearby Pecos Pueblo, a remarkable settlement constructed by the Pecos Indians. This impressive structure, believed to have been established around 1100 A.D., rose to prominence over the centuries, becoming a significant regional power and a bustling trade center by 1450 A.D. The multi-story pueblo, a testament to the architectural ingenuity of its builders, served as a hub for interaction among various indigenous tribes in the area.
The arrival of Spanish explorers in the 16th century dramatically altered the course of Pecos, New Mexico. In September 1540, Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, driven by the allure of the mythical Seven Cities of Cibola, ventured into the region. While Coronado’s quest for gold proved fruitless, his expedition marked the beginning of Spanish influence in the area. Later, in 1598, Don Juan de Onate led a group of settlers, livestock, and Franciscan missionaries to Pecos, New Mexico. By 1619, the Spanish had established a mission church at the Pecos Pueblo, aiming to convert the indigenous population to Christianity. However, the cultural clashes between the Spanish and the Pecos Indians eventually led to the Pueblo Revolt of 1680, during which the missionaries were rejected. Despite this initial setback, the Spanish returned in 1692, reasserting their presence in the region.
As Spanish influence solidified, land grants became a significant feature of the landscape. The San Miguel del Bado grant, awarded in November 1794, was the first major land grant in the area. By the early 1800s, the Pecos Valley saw a gradual increase in population, with several hundred families settling in the region. In 1815, the Canon de Pecos land grant was bestowed upon Juan de Dios Pena, further contributing to the development of settlements in the area. By 1820, several small communities had emerged, laying the foundation for the future village of Pecos.
A pivotal moment in the history of Pecos, New Mexico, arrived in 1821 when the area transitioned from Spanish rule to become part of Mexico. This same year marked the opening of the Santa Fe Trail, a crucial trade route blazed by William Becknell. It is believed that the village of Pecos itself was established around this time, strategically located along the Pecos River.
The year 1838 witnessed a profound change for the Pecos Pueblo. The few remaining Pecos Indians, faced with the decline of their ancestral home and the abandoned mission church, made the difficult decision to relocate to Jemez Pueblo, some 80 miles to the west. Before their departure, however, they entrusted a special painting to St. Anthony’s Parish in Pecos. This painting, known as Our Lady of the Angels, was created by Juan Correa around 1700 and had once adorned the Nuestra Senora de Los Angeles Mission at the Pecos Pueblo. As a testament to this trust, St. Anthony’s Parish committed to perpetually honor the saint by holding a feast day mass in the remains of the mission church and the Pecos Pueblo, starting in 1839. This annual celebration, held on August 2nd (or the following Sunday), continues to this day, drawing people from surrounding communities. Since 1970, descendants of the Pecos Pueblo from Jemez Pueblo have actively participated in this significant cultural event, bridging the past and present.
Following the departure of the Pecos Indians, the Pecos Pueblo faced further decline. Travelers along the Santa Fe Trail and local residents scavenged the abandoned buildings for beams, using them for firewood and building materials, leading to the irreversible deterioration of the once-proud structure.
The Mexican-American War brought further changes to the region. In August 1846, General Stephen Watts Kearny claimed New Mexico as United States territory, ushering in a new era for Pecos, New Mexico, and the surrounding area.
In 1852, Alexander Valle, a resident of or near Pecos, acquired 574 acres of the Canon de Pecos land grant, which had originally been awarded to Juan de Dios Pena in 1815. Valle’s property was situated just north of Pecos village. He also owned the Pigeon Ranch, located about five miles to the west, where he spent the majority of his time. In 1865, he sold the Pigeon Ranch and relocated to his land in Pecos, where he lived until his death in June 1880. His land later became the site of a popular dude ranch and subsequently a monastery.
The arrival of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad in 1880 marked a turning point for Pecos, New Mexico. A station was established in Pecos, quickly replacing the slower wagon caravans that had traveled the Santa Fe Trail. At that time, the town’s population stood at 241.
In 1882, the Terrero Mine opened approximately 13 miles north of Pecos, initially focusing on copper mining. Over time, the mine expanded its operations to include gold, silver, lead, and zinc. These ores were transported down-canyon via an aerial tramway to the "El Molino" site on Alamitos Creek near Pecos, where they were milled and concentrated. The mine continued to operate until 1939, and at its peak, Terrero boasted a population of over 3,000 people and employed around 600 workers. A post office and stable for the mine were located at the Valley Ranch in Pecos. During its years of operation, the Terrero Mine significantly contributed to Pecos’s economy.
In April 1886, Alexander Valle’s land in Pecos was auctioned to the Valley Ranch Company.
By 1900, the Precinct of Pecos had a population of 536. The merchant class had grown to the point where specializations were listed, including whiskey, jewelry, grocery, and other goods. Some of these merchants may have operated out of wagons, traveling around the area to sell their wares while residing in Pecos. Freight-related occupations were also common, including teamsters, wagon drivers, express drivers, and freighters. The first miner and miller also appeared in the census this year. Agriculture was a significant part of the local economy, with 24 men reporting as farmers and 49 as farm laborers. Sixty-two men were employed as day laborers. By 1900, Pecos also had a school with three local teachers. However, few teenagers attended, as many of them had already entered the workforce by the age of 10 to 12. At this time, there were two priests serving in Pecos.
In 1906, the St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church was constructed in Pecos. Unlike traditional adobe structures, this church was built using locally quarried stone. Among its treasured adornments is the painting of Nuestra Senora de Los Angeles (Our Lady of the Angels), which was entrusted to the parish after the Pecos Indians left the Pecos Pueblo in 1838. The church, still active today, is located at 11 St. Anthony’s Loop.
In 1926, Route 66 followed the path of the old Santa Fe Trail and the tracks of the Santa Fe Railroad, passing through several Hispano settlements downstream from Pecos. During the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) constructed roads, bridges, and campgrounds in Pecos Canyon, and several dude ranches were established in the area. These dude ranches played a vital role in the local economy. The Valley Ranch in Pecos became a popular destination, offering rodeos on Sunday afternoons.
In 1937, Route 66 was realigned further south, bypassing Santa Fe and providing a more direct route between Santa Rosa and Albuquerque.
In 1947, Trappist monks from Our Lady of the Valley Abbey in Rhode Island purchased the Valley Ranch and formally established a monastery there in 1948. The Trappists relocated to Oregon in 1955, selling the monastery property to Benedictine monks from Wisconsin, who operated the monastery until 1985. It then became part of the Olivetan Congregation. Today, Our Lady of Guadalupe Abbey provides individual and group retreats, as well as traveler accommodations.
Today, the population of Pecos, New Mexico, is approximately 1400 people, many of whom commute to nearby Santa Fe for work.
The area offers several attractions for visitors, including the Pecos National Historical Park, Glorieta Pass, Pecos Benedictine Monastery, and the Pecos Wilderness, where hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping can be enjoyed.
Pecos, New Mexico, is located about 26 miles southeast of Santa Fe, offering a convenient escape into a region rich in history and natural beauty.