Rowe, New Mexico
Nestled in the scenic landscape of northern New Mexico, just a few miles south of the Pecos National Historical Park, lies the unassuming, unincorporated community of Rowe, New Mexico. Positioned strategically at the crossroads of Interstate 25 and New Mexico Highway 63, this small village whispers tales of railroad expansion, the Santa Fe Trail, and the enduring spirit of the American Southwest. Established in 1876, Rowe, New Mexico began its life as a vital railroad camp, a testament to the transformative power of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad.
To fully understand the story of Rowe, New Mexico, one must delve into its geographical and historical context. The area was once an integral part of the Los Trigos Land Grant, a vast expanse of land nestled between the Pecos Pueblo Indian Grant to the north and the San Miguel del Vado Land Grant to the south. This region, rich in resources and strategic importance, played a significant role in the development of the Southwest.
Before the arrival of the railroad, approximately two miles east of present-day Rowe, New Mexico, the village of Las Ruedas thrived along the banks of the Pecos River. Founded in the early 19th century, Las Ruedas was a testament to the resilience and resourcefulness of early settlers. The village served as a hub for agriculture and trade, its residents carving out a life in the challenging yet rewarding New Mexico landscape.
However, the arrival of the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad irrevocably altered the region’s destiny. As the railroad sought to expand its reach across the Southwest, it acquired a significant portion of the Los Trigos Land Grant. The railroad’s insatiable need for timber led to extensive logging operations, transforming the landscape as countless trees were felled to produce railroad ties.
In close proximity to Las Ruedas, at the base of a prominent mesa, the railroad established a camp. This camp, the genesis of what would become Rowe, New Mexico, quickly attracted laborers from surrounding settlements, particularly Las Ruedas. The promise of employment and opportunity drew residents away from their traditional livelihoods, marking the beginning of Las Ruedas’ decline. To ensure a steady water supply for its steam engines, the railroad constructed a pipeline connecting Rowe, New Mexico to Las Ruedas, further solidifying the railroad camp’s dominance.
As the railroad gained prominence, the legendary Santa Fe Trail, a vital artery of commerce and westward expansion, entered its twilight years. However, stagecoaches continued to traverse the trail, and a stagecoach station was established at the first store in Rowe, New Mexico, owned by Andrew Kosloskie. Kosloskie’s strategic decision to locate his store near a reliable spring underscored the importance of water in this arid landscape.
The year 1880 marked a pivotal moment for Rowe, New Mexico, as the railroad was completed through the area. The station, initially named Kingman, was later renamed Rowe in honor of a railroad contractor. A train depot was constructed in 1881, becoming a symbol of progress and connectivity. For decades, the transcontinental line, passing within a mile of the historic Pecos Pueblo, followed the path of the Santa Fe Trail, transporting vast herds of cattle and extracting tons of ore-bearing precious metals. The railroad also facilitated the influx of American settlers, profoundly impacting the cultural landscape of the region.
The establishment of a post office in Rowe, New Mexico in 1884 further solidified its status as a growing community. However, the rise of Rowe, New Mexico came at a cost. The allure of the railroad camp led to the abandonment of Las Ruedas. Today, little remains of the once-thriving village, including its church. The site is now located on private property and inaccessible to the public, a poignant reminder of the past.
In the early days of Rowe, New Mexico, and throughout much of New Mexico, Gross, Kelly & Company played a pivotal role. This pioneering wholesale and retail mercantile company exerted significant influence on the region’s economy and development. Among its extensive landholdings was the old Pecos Grant, encompassing the site of the ruined Pecos Pueblo and mission church. In Rowe, New Mexico, Gross, Kelly & Company operated a lumber mill, producing railroad ties, mine props, and firewood, providing employment for local residents. The company also operated a store in Rowe, New Mexico from 1910 to 1947. After the Gross, Kelly & Company store closed, the building continued to function as a general store under different ownership until the 1960s.
The year 1926 brought further change to Rowe, New Mexico, as Route 66, the "Mother Road," passed through the area. That same year, rodeo producer Tex Austin established the Forked Lightning Ranch on the old Los Trigos Land Grant. This expansive ranch, later owned by Buddy Fogelson (who married actress Greer Garson), Jane Fonda, and Val Kilmer, became a symbol of the region’s unique blend of ranching heritage and Hollywood glamour. Today, the northern portion of the ranch is managed by the Pecos National Historical Park, offering limited public access to this historic site.
In 1937, Route 66 was realigned, taking a more direct route from Santa Rosa to Albuquerque and bypassing Santa Fe and the villages of the Pecos River Valley. This realignment diminished Rowe, New Mexico‘s prominence along the famed highway, but the village persevered.
Today, Rowe, New Mexico retains the Holy Family Catholic Church on Segrada Familia Lane and a post office, serving as a quiet reminder of its rich history. Situated at the junction of I-25 and New Mexico Highway 63, six miles south of Pecos, Rowe, New Mexico offers glimpses of the Forked Lightning Ranch, the Santa Fe Trail-era Kozloski Trading Post, and the nearby Pecos Pueblo.
While time has marched on, Rowe, New Mexico, continues to hold echoes of its vibrant past. It stands as a testament to the transformative power of the railroad, the enduring legacy of the Santa Fe Trail, and the resilience of the communities that have shaped the landscape of northern New Mexico.