Santa Rosa, New Mexico – City of Natural Lakes
Nestled in the heart of eastern New Mexico, where the vast expanse of the Great Plains gently ascends to meet the rugged foothills of the Rocky Mountains, lies Santa Rosa, New Mexico. This vibrant city, affectionately nicknamed the "City of Natural Lakes," presents a striking contrast to the surrounding landscape of red mesas and arid flatlands, offering a refreshing oasis of natural beauty and historical significance. The unique geological formations have gifted the area with an abundance of natural lakes and streams, contributing to its distinctive character and appeal.
The story of Santa Rosa, New Mexico begins in 1865, not as a bustling city, but as a modest Spanish Rancho known as Aqua Negro Chiquita. The area was sparsely populated, primarily serving as grazing land for livestock. However, around 1890, a pivotal moment arrived that would forever change the destiny of this humble settlement. Don Celso Baco, a prominent local figure, erected a chapel, dedicating it to his wife and Saint Rose of Lima, the first canonized saint of the "New World." In doing so, he bestowed upon the town the name it carries to this day: Santa Rosa.
The year 1891 marked another significant milestone in the region’s development with the creation of Guadalupe County by the territorial legislature. Initially, Puerto de Luna held the esteemed position of county seat. Santa Rosa, New Mexico remained a relatively minor community, its growth constrained by limited transportation infrastructure.
The dawn of the 20th century ushered in an era of unprecedented progress for Santa Rosa, New Mexico. The arrival of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad in 1901 served as a catalyst, transforming the town into a vital transportation hub. This newfound connectivity spurred economic activity and attracted new residents, leading to a surge in population and development. Recognizing its growing importance, Santa Rosa was designated as the Guadalupe County seat just two years later, solidifying its position as the region’s leading center of commerce and governance.
The next major turning point in the history of Santa Rosa, New Mexico arrived with the completion of Route 66 through the city in 1930. This iconic highway, stretching from Chicago to Los Angeles, became a lifeline for countless travelers, and Santa Rosa was perfectly positioned to capitalize on this influx of traffic. After enduring the long, arduous journey across the hot, dusty plains, motorists found Santa Rosa to be a welcome and much-needed respite.
Santa Rosa quickly gained a reputation as a true oasis in the desert, offering weary travelers a place to eat, rest, and repair their vehicles. Motels, cafes, and service stations sprung up along the highway, catering to the needs of the ever-increasing number of Route 66 travelers. The city became a vibrant hub of activity, its streets bustling with cars and people from all walks of life.
The old Route 66 alignment led travelers directly past some of Santa Rosa’s most notable landmarks, including the mesmerizing Blue Hole, an 81-foot-deep natural pool renowned for its crystal-clear waters and Park Lake, which served as a vital motorist campground and water source during the harsh years of the Great Depression. Furthermore, the area surrounding the Pecos River Bridge holds literary significance, having served as the backdrop for memorable scenes in Rudolfo Anaya’s acclaimed novel, Bless Me, Ultima, and John Steinbeck’s seminal work, The Grapes of Wrath.
The Club Café, established in 1935 by Phillip Craig and Floyd Shaw, became an enduring symbol of Santa Rosa’s Route 66 era. Its iconic logo, featuring the smiling face of the "Fat Man," quickly became synonymous with the city and the Mother Road itself. For over five decades, countless hungry travelers stopped at the Club Café to savor a tasty home-cooked meal and experience the warm hospitality that defined Santa Rosa.
In 1940, when Steinbeck’s Grapes of Wrath was adapted into a major motion picture, director John Ford chose Santa Rosa as the location for the film’s memorable train scene. The scene depicts Tom Joad, played by Henry Fonda, watching a freight train disappear into the sunset as it crosses the Pecos River railroad bridge, capturing the essence of the American West and the spirit of the Dust Bowl era.
The opening of Interstate 40 in 1972 brought about significant changes for Santa Rosa. While the city remained a convenient off-ramp for travelers, many of the vintage Route 66 businesses that had thrived for decades began to decline. The relentless flow of traffic shifted to the faster, more modern highway, bypassing the charm and character of the old Mother Road. Nevertheless, some businesses persevered, continuing to serve the travelers who chose to exit I-40 and experience a taste of the past. The Club Café, a beloved institution, managed to survive for nearly two more decades before finally closing its doors in 1991.
After its closure, the Club Café stood vacant, gradually falling into disrepair. However, its legacy was not forgotten. In a heartfelt effort to preserve a piece of Santa Rosa’s history, Joseph and Christina Campos, owners of Joseph’s Bar and Grill, purchased the dilapidated building with the intention of restoring it to its former glory. Unfortunately, the structure was beyond repair, and in October 2015, it was demolished. Nevertheless, the Campos family salvaged the iconic "Fat Man" sign, bringing it home to Joseph’s Bar and Grill, where it continues to serve as a reminder of Santa Rosa’s rich Route 66 heritage.
Today, Santa Rosa retains a strong connection to its Route 66 past. Remnants of the Mother Road era can be found throughout the city, from the vintage "billboards" painted on roadside boulders to the still-grinning faces of the "Fat Man" signs. A particularly scenic stretch of Route 66 parallels Interstate 40, offering travelers a glimpse into the past. Upon entering Santa Rosa, visitors can still see iconic establishments such as the Comet Drive-In, Silver Moon, Sun and Sand, and the La Loma Motel, their neon lights beckoning travelers to experience the nostalgia of Route 66. Another must-see attraction is the Santa Rosa Auto Museum, which showcases a remarkable collection of classic cars and memorabilia.
Beyond its Route 66 attractions, Santa Rosa offers a wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities centered around its natural lakes. The Blue Hole, a popular scuba diving destination, attracts divers from around the world with its crystal-clear waters and unique underwater ecosystem. Perch and Park Lakes provide excellent fishing opportunities, while Santa Rosa Lake State Park, a large man-made reservoir, offers a wide range of amenities, including boating, skiing, and camping. For those seeking a glimpse into the region’s past, a side trip to the ancient adobe village of Puerto de Luna, located just ten miles south of Santa Rosa, is well worth the effort.
In the early days of Route 66, the pre-1937 alignment, often referred to as the Santa Fe Loop, diverged from the main route 18 miles west of Santa Rosa at the junction of I-40 and U.S. Highway 84. This alternate route meandered northwest through the ghost town of Dilia before reaching Romeroville, where it turned southwest, following the old Santa Fe Trail through the Pecos River Valley and onward to Santa Fe.
In late 1937, Route 66 was straightened beyond Santa Rosa, creating a more direct route to Albuquerque through Cline’s Corners and Moriarty, bypassing Santa Fe altogether. Today, travelers have the option of choosing between these two alignments as they head westward. Both routes offer a delightful journey through time, passing by numerous vintage roadside attractions, historic sites, ghost towns, and breathtaking landscapes. Whether you choose the Santa Fe Loop or the more direct route to Albuquerque, a journey along Route 66 through New Mexico is sure to be an unforgettable experience.