s P 8o^ ** TAGS COUNTY. REPORT TO THfi BUREAU OF IMMIGRATION OF NEW MEXICO, BY THEO. C. CAMP, Commissioner of Immigration. iesi. SANTA FE, N. M. : NEW MEXICAN BOOK AND JOB PRINTING DEPARTMENT. 1881. ffoz X OFFICERS AND COMMISSIONERS BUREAU OF IMMIGRATION. OFFICERS. L. BRADFORD PRINCE, President. RAFAEL ROMERO, Vice President. L. SPIEGELBERG, Treasurer JNO. H. THOMSON, Secretary. MEMBERS. At Large. THE GOVERNOR, ex-Of'o, Santa Fe. L. BRADFORD PRINCE, Santa Fe. LEHMAN SPIEGELBERG, Santa Fe. T. F. CONWAY, Santa Fe. WILLIAM KROENIG, Watrous. By Counties. For Colfnr HARRY WHIGHAM, Cimarron. For DOIM At*a A. J. FOUNTAIN, Mesilla. For Grant W. H. LAWRENCE, Silver City For Lincoln J. C. LEA, Roswell. B. H. ELLIS, Lincoln. For Mora RAFAEL ROMERO, La Cueva. For Itio Arribti SAMUEL ELDODT, San Juan. For Santa Fe ROMULO MARTINEZ, Santa Fe. SAMUEL ELLISON, Santa Fe. For 8 THEODORE C. CAMP. For Valencia TR-ANQUILINO LUNA , Los Lunas . For lirrnalUio WM. C. HA/LEDiNE, Albuquerque. TAOS COUNTY, NEW MEXICO. ANCIENT BOUNDARIES. HISTORICAL. Taos county is one of the oldest political divisions in the Ter- ritory, the missions at the pueblos of Taos and Picuris, dating back to the early Spanish settlements. At the date of the American occupation the boundaries of the county of Taos extended across the Territory from east to west; and then included all of Southern Colorado south of the Tepesta, or Ar- kansas river, besides the counties of Colfax and Mora and so much of Rio Arriba county as lies immediately west of the present county boundaries. The village of Fernandez de Taos was the residence of the Very Reverend Antonio Jose Martinez, Vicar of Taos, who, in his life- time, was distinguished as an educator, in establishing the first schools in New Mexico of practical value under the Republic, and for his philanthropic, progressive and valuable efforts in behalf of his people and the Territory. Under his special instruction many of the prominent citizens of the Territory of to-day were educated, some of whom further pursued their studies at the college of Duran- go, and were admitted and returned to the Territory as priests. Under Vicar Martinez the first printing office was introduced in that portion of the United States lying west of the Mississippi val- ley. This also was locate'd at Taos, and upon it, under the Vicar, 4 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF TAOS COUNTY. or "Father" Martinez, as he was affectionately called by the people, was printed the first newspaper published in this portion of the Re- public named. Fernandez de Taos was also the first port of entry established for merchandise brought across the plains to the Territory from the East. The county also includes among the early American residents Col. "Kit" Carson and Gov. William Bent, (both of whom are bu- ried at Taos,) Col. Ceran St. Vrain, Judge Beaubien, Lucien Stew- art and others names as familiar throughout the West as house- hold words. And so, throughout, Taos county is prominently identi- fied with the history of the Territory. PRESENT BOUNDARIES AND TOPOGRAPHY. The present boundaries of Taos county are, on the north by the Colorado line; east by the Sangre del Cristo range of the Rocky Mountains; south by Rio Arriba county, the line being about twenty miles south of Fernandez de Taos; and on the west by the Mountain divide west of the Rio Grande. The county contains about 2,700 square miles. The general elevation is from 6,000 to 7,000 feet; some of the mountain peaks rise to over 13,000 feet. The general topography of the county is that of an immense valley, divided centrally by the Rio Grande. In turn it is intersected by smaller valleys, border- ing on mountain streams. The county is an enlarged extension of the San Luis valley, which lies to the north in southern Colorado. POPULATION AND IMMIGRATION. The population is in the neighborhood of 10,000, of which pro- bably four-fifths are of the Mexican race, and the remainder East- ern people. Immigration has increased 100 per cent, within the last year, principally from Colorado, and one need not fear to predict a similar increase yearly, as the advantages of the county become more gen- erally known. Taos county, in connection with the balance of the Territory, has been more or less inaccessible. This has been re- cently remedied almost wholly, by the construction of the Denver KEPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF TA.OS COUNTY. 5 jj : . |j and Rio Grande Railway, which traverses the county from north to | south and brings the county into direct communication with the j! Eastern world. An early completion of the road south to Santa Fe is now reasonably certain. Stranger, if you wish to visit Taos come via Pueblo, Colorado, over the Denver and Rio Grande Railway, or over theAtchison, To- : peka & Santa Fe Railway via Santa Fe. BswrKT'- -n> TIM IS Kit. There is an abundance of good tinioer lying in the foot-hills and mountains, some extending down upon the plains. It consists prin- cipally of mountain pine, and is valuable for general purposes, some of the trees growing to four feet and over in diameter. Pinon is in ! quantity and is used for fuel, for which purpose it cannot be sur- j passed. The cottonwood, ash, cedar and oak are also indigenous, and more or less valuable. The price of good merchantable lumber is from $18 to $30 per 1,000 feet, varying in localities. These prices will be reduced when more lumber is required and mills intro- duced. WATER IRRIGATION. Taos county is without doubt one of the very best watered por- tions of the Territory. The water-shed falls easily towards the Rio Grande, on each side, the grades thus being perfect for irrigation. The entire county from north to south is intersected by never fail- ing mountain streams which are named, beginning at the south, the Aguas Calientas, El Rio Grande Ohiquito, Pueblo Creek, Rio Luce- ro and Arroyo Seco Rio. The last four unite and form the Rio Taos. Further north are the Rio Hondo, Rio San Cristoval and Red river. From the head waters of the latter water is conducted by ditch through the mountains into Coif ax county. The remaining streams are the Caveresta and Calabria. These rivers throughout the year are never dry and with a proper system of dams and reser- voirs would furnish water to irrigate every available foot of agricul- tural land in the county. The quantity of water which goes to waste in the spring from melting snows is simply vast. There is 6 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF TAOS COUNTY. sufficient, however, without this work to irrigate at least five times the amount of land at present utilized. AGRICULTURAL. The agricultural interests of this county are still to a great ex tent carried on in the primitive style of the middle ages, including the wooden plow, grain cut with a sickle, and thrashing is )y the an - cient process of treading it out, yet the results obtained ai wonder- ful, almost beyond belief. The soil around and adjacent t Fernan- dez de Taos, has been in cultivation for centuries, and U 3 use of fertilizers is unknown beyond the sediment in the water used for ir- rigation. In view of this fact, ninety bushels of wheat to an acre, (an- other fact in a few instances,) is startling. The soil in the valley is a dark loam and very deep, and espee- iallv rich in wheat bearing properties. The wheat raised is of a superior quality, equalling, and I think excelling, the finest grades grown in Colorado. The berry is exceed- ingly large and plump; a bushel of the same will average in weight from 65 to 68 pounds, the latter weight being by no means uncom- mon. The average yield is about fifteen for one. It is one of the few sections of the Territory that is adapted to the growing of potatoes. Vegetables of all kinds grow to astonish - ing size and perfection. Cabbage weighing from fifty to seventy pounds; beets equally large in proportion, lettuce, turnips, parsnips, onions, peas and beans', the latter of superior quality being much sweeter than the common white bean and commanding a higher price. Corn is also a staple crop. Grasses grow with luxuriance, the Taos valley farmers raising sufficient hay for their own use and some for market. The amount of land under the plow does not exceed one-seventh of the available area adapted to cultivation. Numerous ancient ruins, and old ranches, abandoned in the days of hostile Indians, show that at one time this county supported a much larger popula- tion than at present. It may be assuring to at once remark that all titles of nomadic Indians have been extinguished and that the last REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF TAOS COUNTY. 7 one of the hostiles were removed from the county a generation since. What would be an improvement upon present methods of farming, is energy and modern implements and ideas. As evidence of what the land is capable of, we mention the fact that two or three acres will furnish a Mexican ranchman and family with a living year after year. The latter keeps, however, a small flock or herd upon the ad- jacent hills. Agriculture is, of course, dependent upon irrigation which begins at planting time, and dates with northern Ohio and Iowa, and con- tinues until the rainy season commences, which is generally about the middle of July, from which time forward the rain is usually sufficient in regularity to dispense with irrigation. HORTICULTURE. The capabilities of the county in horticulture have not yet been tested locally. From the character of the county, however, as com- pared with other sections known to be well adapted to fruit, it is be- lieved that when the test shall have been applied, it will be found among the best of northern counties. LAND. While much of the land under ditch is held under grants, it can in many cases be purchased at reasonable figures, carrying with it the right to use the present acequias or ditches. SHEEP AND CATTLE RAISING. Sheep raising is a large industry and is very profitable, the wool finding a ready market at from fourteen to twenty-five cents per pound. The winters are so mild the sheep are supported on the range the year round. It is of rare occurrence that any are lost. Cattle and horses are also bred and raised in considerable num- bers. The horses are a good specie of Broncho and are in de- mand at from thirty to sixty dollars per head. MINING. There is little or no doubt that it is from its mines that the future prosperity of Taos county will be largely insured. There 8 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF TAOS COUNTY. has been considerable work done within the last year and new mines are being discovered daily. They bear a very small proportion in- deed to what we confidently look for in the near future. The for- mation of the county, the large quantity of rich float found every- where, and also the amount of placer deposits, indicate a bright fu- ture. Taking into consideration that the mountains have never been thoroughly prospected, and that until recently prospecting has been confined to the foothills, everything predicts success to the in- telligent miner. Among the mines which are at this date (1881) being rapidly developed, may be mentioned those in the districts of the Picuris, Arroyo Hondo and Rio Hondo. They variously abound in gold and silver bearing ores, those of the Picuris being very rich in copper and gold. New developments extending more into the mountains are continually being made, and are showing well; while on the Rio Hondo there are very extensive placers which are being worked by a Santa Fe company with Hydraulic works and sluices. Another company has lately commenced operations on the Rio Colorado. CLIMATE. The climate of Taos county is very near perfection. Its al- titude insures a temperature during the summer that is delightful, the heat of the day being relieved by dry and bracing breezes, and at night a thick blanket is always a comfortable covering. In win- ter while the snow falls plentifully upon the mountains, it rarely ap- pears in the valleys in quantity, and in any event remains but a short time. The temperature is almost invariably equable, being protected by the mountains from the cold storms. The winter ther- mometer averages about 25 degrees at night and rising during the day to 35 or 40 degrees, sometimes higher. To persons afflicted with lung complaints and bronchial affections, it is especially adapt- ed. COUNTY SEAT AND TOWNS. The county seat and principal town is Fernandez de Taos. It is situated seventy- five miles north of Santa Fe at an elevation of a few feet lower. It is beautifully situated in the midst of a lovely REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF TAOS COUNTY. valley, at the confluence of the Rio Taos and Pueblo Creek. The valley is broad and extremely fertile. We cannot but admire the good judgment of the ancients in selecting this site for their town. Its population is about 2,000. It is well supplied with mail fa- cilities over the Denver and Rio Grande Railway, the passenger station being at Embudo. It has a number of stores and a good hotel, which with the de- lightful climate offers great inducements as a health resort. The Taos valley is the center of the population of the county. There are several small plazas or towns scattered over the valley, containing together about the same population as Fernandez de Taos. Of these we name El Ranches de Taos, where there is a large flouring mill, producing flour of the finest quality, ranking with the best. Arroyo Seco, another large town, is located on the river of that name, at the foot of the mountains and is unrivalled for its beautiful location. The principal other towns are Arroyo Homo, San Anto- nio, Red River Town, Cerro, Calabria and Castilla. ATTRACTIONS. To the tourist and pleasure seeker Tabs presents many attrac- tions. The rivers abound in trout and other fish. In the mountains are a number of lakes, filled with trout, while bear, mountain lions, deer and occasionally elk are counted among the larger game. Be- sides these smaller game is in abundance, and enchanting scenery to suit the most fastidious lover of nature. A place of absorbing interest is the Indian Pueblo of Taos, oc- cupied by village Indians for centuries and antedating the Spanish occupation. They are located three miles northeast of the town of Fernandez. It is one of the most remarkable and interesting of the Pueblos in the Territory as well as one of the wealthiest. It consists of two distinct congregations of communistic houses, built or piled one above the other until they reach in one place the height of seven stories. This will be recognized as the more remarkable when the fact is stated, that they are built of sun-dried mud bricks. They are 10 REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF TAOS COUNTY. entered through the roof, or in other words, the front door is on tos> of the house, a ladder ascending and descending. These commun* houses were built so originally for protection from the Nomads or plains Indians. They have a beautiful reservation four miles squaiv. which is in the highest state of cultivation, their farming compar- ing favorably with their neighbors. The Indians number about four hundred and are reputed converts of the Roman Church; though they still retain many of their ancient ceremonies, they hold tenaciously to their old traditions abouc Montezuma, and three or four young men are selected and taught by their Cacique, the history of the tribe. During pupilage they are closely confined for a year in the Estufas or Temples and not allowed to leave except by night. The Indian believes that confining themselves to the subject in hand, will impress the lesson deeply into the mind. At periods they celebrate publicly certain of their feasts which attract the entire country people, and many from other parts. On these festive occasions the highly prized relic of their tribe is I brought forth, consisting of the veritable drum of Montezuma. It looks ancient enough. The music is beat out of this sacred relic by the head chiefs only. It is the popular belief that they still keep the sacred fire of Montezjima in existence. The tribe is eminently peaceful and are good citizens. HOT SPRINGS. Among the attractions of Taos county are the hot springs, or Ojo Caliente. These are situated within eight miles of Barranca Station, on the Denver and Rio Grande Railway, and already occupy a prominent position among medical springs. There have been a good hotel and bath house erected, and they already count annually visitors from states both far and near. They are particularly effica- cious in cases of rheumatism, pleurisy and for skin diseases gener- ally. They are pleasantly situated and will soon obtain a very high and deserved popularity. There are also other Hot Springs situated near Fernandez de Taos, that for generations have been visited annually by local resi- dents for bathing and other sanitary purposes. REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONER OF TAOS COUNTY. 11 Another interesting sight is the Canon ot: the Bio Grapde, with walls in places fifteen hundred feet in height. The beautiful scenery, charming climate, cheapness of living, make Taos county one of the most desirable sections in the Territory Its settings and surroundings embody all the essential requisites, not only for a pleasure resort and a happy home, but also for an indus- trial and commercial people. The people here are a peaceful, law- abiding yeomanry, there being fewer cases of extreme wealth and poverty and less disorder and lawlessness, and a higher average of gen- eral thrift and comfort, than is found on most portions of the higher line of the continent. Low grade professional men and drones are not wanted. To good energetic people possessing a few hundred dollars capital Taos county presents a splendid field and the time is not far distant when it will be of the most wealthy, as it is now one of the grand garden spots of the earth. Respectfully submitted, THEO. C. CAMP, Commissioner. TERRITORY OF NEW MEXICO, , FERNANDEZ DE TAOS, TAOS COUNTY. September, 1881, )