Española, New Mexico

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Española, New Mexico
—  City  —
Española skyline, visible from the city's industrial park
Española skyline, visible from the city's industrial park

Seal
Nickname(s): The Heart of Northern New Mexico
Motto: Serving the Community With Pride
Location of Espanola, New Mexico
Coordinates: 36°0′7″N 106°3′53″W / 36.00194°N 106.06472°W / 36.00194; -106.06472Coordinates: 36°0′7″N 106°3′53″W / 36.00194°N 106.06472°W / 36.00194; -106.06472
Country United States
State New Mexico
County Rio Arriba, Santa Fe
Founded 1880
Incorporated 1925
Named for See history section
Government
 • Type Mayor-City Council Government
 • Mayor Alice Alarid–Lucero (D)
 • City Council
 • State House
 • State Senate
 • U.S. House
Area
 • Total 8.5 sq mi (21.9 km2)
 • Land 8.4 sq mi (21.7 km2)
 • Water 0.08 sq mi (0.2 km2)
Population (2010)[1]
 • Total 10,495
 • Density 1,140/sq mi (440.0/km2)
ZIP codes 87532, 87533
Area code(s) 505
FIPS code 35-25170
GNIS feature ID 928729
Website Official website

Española /ɛspənˈjoʊlə/, also known as Espanola (without the tilde), is a city primarily in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, in the United States. A portion of the central and eastern section of the city is in Santa Fe County. Española was founded in 1880 as a railroad village and incorporated as a city in 1925. The city is situated in an area Juan de Oñate declared a capital for Spain in 1598. Española has been called the first capital city in America.[2] At the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 10,495.[1] Española is within the Albuquerque – Santa Fe – Las Vegas combined statistical area.

Contents

History [edit]

Etymology [edit]

Española was referred to as 'La Vega de los Vigiles' (Vigil's Meadow) before the presence of Railroads.[3] It is believed that the town that began as Española was named by railroad workers. At the time of railroad construction, a small restaurant in the area was nicknamed "La Española". This was because of the large presence of Spanish women in the area. The name became official by 1900 and Española became a small railroad town. Before the railroads, this is where Spanish and Native American people had settled for hundreds of years, making a living from farming along the Rio Grande.[4]

Early settlers [edit]

The Española area (known as the "San Juan Valley" to the early Spaniards) is also known as the first European-founded capital of the "New World." The region was explored In 1598 by Don Juan de Oñate. He declared the area a capital for Spain, the area of Don Diego de Vargas' new villa at Santa Cruz.[5] Oñate arrived in the Española area on July 11, 1598, at the confluence of the Chama River and the Rio Grande, where he established a camp at a place then called Yunque-Yunque. He created a Spanish settlement in an area already inhabited by the indigenous descendants of the Anasazi.[6]

Railroad Era [edit]

Downtown Española, 1885
The Española train depot, 1920
Townspeople gather at the depot, 1930

Present-day Española was founded in 1880, with the introduction of the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad. In early 1880, the famous railroad which ran predominantly through the Rocky Mountain region announced a route extension of its narrow gauge into northern New Mexico. The line was built along the Rio Grande, and later was known as the Chili Line. The route would extend into what today is the downtown Española area, and the railroad began selling lots of property in the area. Anglo merchants, mountain men, and settlers slowly filtered in to Española. The Bond family from Canada would later arrive in the city and with them came the state's largest mercantile.[7]

Many residents of the nearby town of Santa Fe were not happy with the decision and failure of connection of the railroad, prompting protest. The Española station however, included an engine facility station along with a roundhouse and turntable so it could service the locomotives. The facilities were built but torn down or no longer in use after six years; plans for the town had changed.[8] The railroad would later reach Santa Fe to connect with the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway in late 1887.

F.R. Frankenburger
First mayor (1923-1929)

Frank R. Frankenburger a business man born in Ft. Scott, Kansas, was the first mayor, elected in 1923. In 1925 Española was incorporated as a city.[9] As the population rose, there was a high demand for public education in the city. Española High School was established; it would be the largest school in the area for decades. The first high school in the area, however, was Santa Cruz High School. Two miles away from downtown Española, it opened in 1906 in the historic Santa Cruz area. Today, both high schools are no longer in existence after a merger of school districts in 1975.[10]

The existence of the railroad began to dissipate as minimal passenger traffic and low shipments forced the railroad to close in the early 1940s. Many locals would become unemployed and would follow the railroad to Santa Fe, Albuquerque and central Colorado for jobs. Española's population would fall dramatically and many homes in the downtown became abandoned. Most of the locals who remained would turn to farming as a way of life. Many people saw Española as another failed railroad town.[11] The city removed the railroad tracks and the train depot the 1960s, and the existence of railroads completely vanished.

Businesses in Española vigorously opposed the abandonment
of the Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad's narrow gauge during the
early 1940s. Their calls for continued rail service were at odds with
the grim realities of the marketplace, which had for years rendered the
"Chili Line" woefully unprofitable. Although Española was an integral
part of the saga of railroad construction in the West, it was destined
to become one of the region's first notable communities bereft of its trains.

When the Railroad Leaves Town, –Joe P. Schwieterman [12]
American communities in the age of the rail line abandonment

Post-railroad [edit]

In the 1980s, many historical buildings and homes of historical significance were torn down for Urban renewal. Española followed many other New Mexico cities in this trend, but in Española, it failed. More modern business began to moved into town, but the growth of Española had now expanded east across the Rio Grande. Although several buildings of historical significance remain downtown Española, many are unused or abandoned. Strip malls became visible in Española, the first being the 'Big Rock shopping center', founded by oil tycoon Roy Honstein. With the beginnings of Manhattan Project in the nearby city of Los Alamos, many locals would find jobs at the Los Alamos National Laboratory, which would later employ nearly 9% of Española's population.

In the 1990s, A controversial plan to build a "plaza" and mission church where many historic buildings once stood was up for consideration. The city went with the plan, and locals supported the plaza. Although a plaza never existed in Española before the railroads, it was built to pay tribute to the Spanish culture in the area.[13]

Recent history [edit]

In 1998, Española celebrated the 400th Anniversary of the colonization by the Spanish and the founding of the first permanent European colony in North America. The event was celebratory for some and controversial for others; on January 5, 1998 someone cut the foot off of a sculpture of Juan de Oñate in the Oñate Monument Visitors Center. A group calling itself Brothers of Acoma claimed responsibility.[14]

Heroin use in the area increased rapidly beginning in the 1990s.[15] In the period 2001–2005, Rio Arriba County had the highest per capita rate of drug fatalities in the country, with 42.5 deaths per 100,000 population compared to 7.3 nationally, however, In the city limits of Española the numbers are far below the national average at 0.5.[16]

On September 18, 2008 then Sen. Barack Obama, a Democratic nominee for President of the United States, visited Española for a rally at the city's New Plaza in the Main Street district. Nearly 10,000 people packed the Plaza from around the Española Valley.[17][18] Española has a large number of Hispanics and a large majority are Democrats.[19]

Geography [edit]

Española is located at 36°0′7″N 106°3′53″W / 36.00194°N 106.06472°W / 36.00194; -106.06472 (36.001884, -106.064587).[20]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 21.9 square kilometers (8.5 sq mi). 21.7 square kilometers (8.4 sq mi) of it is land and 0.2 square kilometers (0.077 sq mi) of it is water. The total area covered by water is 0.83%.

Española is over a mile high at an elevation of around 5,595 feet (1,705 m) with much variance. It is in a valley nestled between the Jemez and Sangre de Cristo mountain ranges, and the meeting point of three rivers, the Rio Grande, the Rio Chama, and the Rio Santa Cruz.

Climate [edit]

July is the warmest month in Española, the Average high is 91 °F (33 °C). The highest recorded temperature was 107 °F (42 °C) in 2003. The average coolest month is January at 45 °F (7 °C). The lowest recorded temperature was −38 °F (−39 °C) in 1971. The maximum average precipitation occurs in August with an average of 1.90 inches (48 mm).

Air Quality [edit]

According to an annual report by the American Lung Association, the Santa Fe-Espanola CSA (metropolitan area) has the cleanest Ozone layer in the country (ranked #1), cleanest area in the country for 24-hour particle pollution (ranked #1) and cleanest area in the country for annual particle pollution (ranked #2).[22]

Demographics [edit]

Historical populations
Census Pop. %±
1890 398
—
1900 1,405 253.0%
1910 1,802 28.3%
1920 2,412 33.9%
1930 4,269 77.0%
1940 2,984 −30.1%
1950 2,489 −16.6%
1960 3,472 39.5%
1970 7,923 128.2%
1980 8,127 2.6%
1990 8,828 8.6%
2000 9,504 7.7%
2010 10,495 10.4%

2000 census [edit]

At the census[23] of 2000, there were 9,688 people, 5,751 households, and 4,569 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,155.4 people per square mile (446.4/km²). There were 5,107 housing units at an average density of 189.2/square kilometer (489.8/square mile). The racial makeup of the city was 67.55% White, 0.58% African American, 2.86% Native American, 0.14% Asian, 0.06% Pacific Islander, 25.56% from other races, and 3.25% from two or more races. 84.38% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 5,751 households, of which 35.6% had children under the age of eighteen living with them, 42.5% were married couples living together, 18.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 31.5% were non-families. 26.2% of all households were made up of single individuals, and 9.7% had someone living alone who was sixty-five years of age or older. The average household size was 2.56 and the average family size was 3.08.

In the city the population was spread out, with 27.8% under the age of 18, 9.7% from 18 to 24, 28.1% from 25 to 44, 22.1% from 45 to 64, and 12.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was thirty-four years. For every 100 females there were 95.3 males. For every 100 females aged eighteen and over, there were 94.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $27,144, and the median income for a family was $32,255. Males had a median income of $25,558 versus $23,177 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,303. 21.6% of the population and 16.5% of families were below the poverty line. Out of the total population, 28.4% of those under the age of eighteen and 15.1% of those sixty-five and older were living below the poverty line.

2010 census [edit]

As of the census[23] of 2010, there were 10,495 people, 5,897 households, and 4,690 families residing in the city.

The racial makeup of the city was:[24]

Economy [edit]

Largest Employers in Española[26]
1 Española Public Schools
2 Los Alamos National Laboratory
3 Akal Securities Inc
4 Española – Presbyterian Hospital
5 Northern New Mexico College
6 New Mexico State Government
7 Santa Claran Resort and Casino
8 Española City Government
9 Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
10 Lowe's Companies, Inc.

The Education sector is the largest employer of the city, the public schools and local college combined account for nearly 10% of the city's workforce, while Los Alamos National Laboratory accounts for nearly 6% of the city's employment.

In the past 4 years Española has seen plenty of commercial development on Riverside Drive, the city's secondary main road. Big retail and eatery chains such as Lowe's and Chili's, are anchors of a massive shopping center located next to Wal-Mart which was built in late 1999. Many other stores such as CVS/Pharmacy and Petsense have added locations in Española.[27] However, most residents are employed at near-by city Los Alamos at the Los Alamos National Laboratory.

At Española Industrial Park, Nambe Mills (relocated from Santa Fe in what will be a multi-phase move of their entire silver working operation) is in the forefront of an industrial expansion that may soon see a host of businesses taking advantage of the city's relatively low-cost industrial land.

Agriculture [edit]

Irrigation ditches, set up by the Spanish helped them to prosper as an agrarian society. These life-giving lines are, in some ways, the only things that remain unchanged in Española today. While there is a tangible feeling of pride for culture and family amongst Hispanics and natives, there is an ever-increasing influence and presence of people that do not belong to either of these groups.

The prosperous agrarian society of the natives and the Spanish was replaced by a money-based system with the introduction of the railroad. As is typical throughout history, this disadvantaged many locals. They were forced to adopt a system for which they lacked the education. Many continued to farm, and their families still do today; however, they were taught to farm to sell rather than to sustain, and so were also disadvantaged. With poverty and gentrification came fewer resources for the community.

Main street (Above) – 1916
Main street/Oñate Street (Below) – Today

Notable films shot in town [edit]

Arts and culture [edit]

Immigrant culture [edit]

There has been a steady influx of documented immigration to the Valley for the last decade, which has significantly increased their visibility and influence in the area. Española (especially the neighboring community of Sombrillo) is also home to the largest community of ethnically diverse Sikhs in the world. While most Sikhs descend from the Punjab region of India, the Sikhs in Española come from all over the world.[31]

Activities [edit]

Española's restaurants and convenience stores are popular with travelers between Santa Fe and northern communities, as well as with local people. The local fiestas are held in the summer and include live New Mexican-style Spanish or country music, vendors, and many locals.

There are many locations near Española to do almost any outdoor activity such as hiking, biking, and river sports like rafting and kayaking. Nearby winter sports include skiing (downhill and cross-country) and snowboarding.

Parks and recreation [edit]

Golf Courses [edit]

  • Black Mesa Golf Course

Community aquatic centers [edit]

  • Penny Roybal Garcia Aquatic Center
  • Richard L. Lucero Center

Community parks [edit]

  • Espanola Stroke Center park
  • Veterans Memorial Park
  • Ranchitos Park
  • Valdez Memorial Park

Government [edit]

Government Complex

The city of Española is served by an elected four-year term mayor and an eight-member city council. The Española City Council is the legislative authority of the city, and has the power to adopt all ordinances, resolutions, or other legislation. The council members are elected from the eight council districts on four-year terms, with four districted Councilors elected every two years. One of the council members is elected by the members of the council to be the mayor pro tempore. The mayor can approve or veto any decision made by the council. However, the council can override the mayor's veto with a five out of eight member vote.[32]

Education [edit]

Public Schools [edit]

Espanola Public Schools serves the City of Española.

High schools [edit]

Middle schools [edit]

Elementary schools [edit]

Private Schools [edit]

Colleges [edit]

Library [edit]

Espanola Public Library is located inside the Richard Lucero Center at 313 North Paseo De Oñate. Its collection is about 50,000 items.[33] The 2008–2009 library budget is $248,735.[34]:64–65

Notable or Native Residents [edit]

[icon] This section requires expansion. (April 2011)

References [edit]

  1. ^ a b http://bber.unm.edu/demo/GPS_Cities09.htm
  2. ^ "City of Española Home Page". City of Española. Retrieved 2010-12-16. 
  3. ^ La Vega de Los Vigiles was a small farming community, today Espanola
  4. ^ http://www.newmexicohistory.org/filedetails.php?fileID=1319
  5. ^ Simmons, Marc, ‘’The Last Conquistador: Juan de Oñate and the Settling of the Far Southwest’’, University of Oklahoma Press, Norman, 1991 p. 108-108
  6. ^ History of Spanish settlers
  7. ^ Rio Grande Sun, Historical Issue on City of Española, 1961–62
  8. ^ http://www.ghostdepot.com/rg/mainline/san%20juan%20branch/espanola.htm
  9. ^ Rio Grande Sun, Historical Issue on City of Española, 1975
  10. ^ Brief History of EVHS. Española Public School District. Retrieved on 2008-02-28.
  11. ^ Denver Rio Grande Rail Road Closes, Santa Fe New Mexican, 1998
  12. ^ Schwieterman, Joe. When the Railroad Leaves Town: American communities in the age of the rail line abandonment. 
  13. ^ Espanola officials plan to revitalize downtown, Santa Fe New Mexican, 1997
  14. ^ Roberts, David, The Pueblo Revolt: The Secret Rebellion that Drove the Spanish out of the Southwest,Simon and Schuster, New York, 2004, p. 97
  15. ^ Glendinning, Chellis, Chiva: A Village Takes on the Global Heroin Trade, New Society Publishers, Gabriola Island, B.C., Canada, 2005
  16. ^ Eckholm, Erik (2008-04-02). "A Grim Tradition, and a Long Struggle to End It". New York Times. Retrieved 2008-09-30. 
  17. ^ "Obama Visits Espanola". KOAT 7 News. September 18, 2008. 
  18. ^ "Obama Rally In Espanola". Santa Fe New Mexican. September 18, 2008. 
  19. ^ http://www.city-data.com/city/Espanola-New-Mexico.html
  20. ^ "US Gazetteer files: 2010, 2000, and 1990". United States Census Bureau. 2011-02-12. Retrieved 2011-04-23. 
  21. ^ "Monthly Averages for Española, NM". Retrieved August 20, 2008. 
  22. ^ http://www.stateoftheair.org/2011/msas/Santa-Fe-Espanola-NM.html#pmann
  23. ^ a b "American FactFinder". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved 2008-01-31. 
  24. ^ "Albuquerque (city), New Mexico". State & County QuickFacts. U.S. Census Bureau. Retrieved April 23, 2012. 
  25. ^ a b "American FactFinder". Factfinder2.census.gov. October 5, 2010. Retrieved February 18, 2012. 
  26. ^ http://nmnetlinks.com/cms/kunde/rts/nmnetlinkscom/docs/1044065435-01-19-2011-18-16-39/xls_upload.htm
  27. ^ http://www.cityofespanola.org/PZM/PZM12Aug2010.pdf
  28. ^ http://www.espanolaonline.com/aboutespanola.htm
  29. ^ http://www.imdb.com/search/title?locations=Espanola,%20New%20Mexico,%20USA
  30. ^ http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1263670/locations
  31. ^ "American Sikhs Run Billion-Dollar Security Firm". NPR. Retrieved 16 June 2009. 
  32. ^ "Española Government". COE. Retrieved 2008-10-30. 
  33. ^ "Welcome to the Española Public Library". City of Española. Retrieved 30 December 2008. 
  34. ^ City of Espanola 2008–2009 Fiscal Year Budget (PDF). City of Espanola. 2008-09-23. 
  35. ^ http://innovation.cq.com/newmember/2010elexnguide.pdf

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