San Miguel County, New Mexico

Last updated

San Miguel County
County
San Miguel County New Mexico Court House.jpg
San Miguel County Courthouse in Las Vegas
Map of New Mexico highlighting San Miguel County.svg
Location within the U.S. state of New Mexico
New Mexico in United States.svg
New Mexico's location within the U.S.
Coordinates: 35°28′N104°50′W / 35.47°N 104.83°W / 35.47; -104.83
CountryFlag of the United States.svg United States
StateFlag of New Mexico.svg  New Mexico
FoundedJanuary 9, 1852
Named for San Miguel del Vado
Seat Las Vegas
Largest cityLas Vegas
Area
 • Total
4,736 sq mi (12,270 km2)
 • Land4,716 sq mi (12,210 km2)
 • Water20 sq mi (50 km2)  0.4%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total
27,201
 • Density5.7/sq mi (2.2/km2)
Time zone UTC−7 (Mountain)
 • Summer (DST) UTC−6 (MDT)
Congressional district 3rd
Website co.sanmiguel.nm.us

San Miguel County (Spanish : Condado de San Miguel) is a county in the U.S. state of New Mexico. As of the 2020 census, the population was 27,201. [1] Its county seat is Las Vegas. [2]

Contents

San Miguel County comprises the Las Vegas Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Albuquerque–Santa Fe–Las Vegas combined statistical area.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 4,736 square miles (12,270 km2), of which 4,716 square miles (12,210 km2) is land and 20 square miles (52 km2) (0.4%) is water. [3] The country is more than 100 miles (160 km) long from east to west and 40 miles (64 km) wide north to south and reaches from the Great Plains to the Rocky Mountains. The highest elevation in the county is 11,661 ft (3,554 m) at Elk Mountain and the lowest elevation is on the Canadian River at about 3,800 ft (1,200 m). [4]

The eastern two thirds of the country is semi-arid steppe grassland. The Bell Ranch receives 15 in (380 mm) of precipitation annually, most in the summer months. [5] The conifer-clad higher elevations in the northwest corner of the country are cooler and receive more precipitation. Gascon (near Rociada) at an elevation of 8,250 ft (2,510 m) receives 25 in (0.64 m) of annual precipitation. [6] [7] Wesner Springs at an elevation of 11,120 ft (3,390 m) on the slopes of Elk Mountain has a subarctic climate (Dfc), receiving 37 in (940 mm) of precipitation annually. [8]

Adjacent counties

National protected areas

History

San Miguel County was created in 1846 by the conquering United States' army in the Mexican-American War. New Mexico became part of the United States in the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo of 1848. The boundaries of the country often changed until 1923 when its current boundaries were established. [9]

In 1835, prior to the American conquest, the Mexican government had created grants of land in what became San Miguel County. The largest grant in what became San Miguel County was the Las Vegas Grant of 431,654 acres (174,684 ha) (674 sqmi). [10] Most of the grant land was designated as common land to be used by all the grantees and their descendants. The grant lands quickly attracted settlers, mostly Hispanics, to the frontier of New Mexico in a region still menaced by Native American (Indian) raids. The Santa Fe Trail, first travelled in 1821, passed through the county, linking New Mexico to the United States. [11] [12]

The establishment of Fort Union nearby in 1851 increased the security of the region and provided employment for residents and a market for Las Vegas products. [13] The coming of the railroad in 1879 expanded a market for ranch land and stimulated the livestock industry, especially of sheep for wool. The railroad company also harvested much of the timber in the country to make railroad ties. Anglo cattle ranchers moved into the area from Texas. [14] By 1890, a few, mostly Anglo, ranchers controlled one-half of the grazing lands in San Miguel County. [15] Homesteaders also moved into San Miguel County, claiming 160 acres (65 ha) of land as allowed by the 1862 Homestead Act. Both large ranchers and small homesteaders built homes, barns, and fenced grant land with barbed-wire, ignoring the claims by Hispanic residents of their rights to use the common land for crops, grazing, and timber harvest. [15]

With Hispanic residents losing land and access to irrigation water to speculators, ranchers, and homesteaders, the secretive Gorras Blancas, "White Hats," burst on the scene in San Miguel County in 1889. The night riding Gorras Blancas destroyed fences and burned barns and other buildings. The Gorras Blancas were successful in gaining public support, eliminating many fences, and preserving access to common lands, but the movement faded in the early 1890s and the march toward converting common lands into private ownership soon resumed. [16] By 2004, of the original land of the Las Vegas grant, only 10,340 acres (4,180 ha) remained in common ownership. [17]

Demographics

Historical population
CensusPop.Note%±
1850 7,074—
1860 13,71493.9%
1870 16,05817.1%
1880 20,63828.5%
1890 24,20417.3%
1900 22,053−8.9%
1910 22,9304.0%
1920 22,867−0.3%
1930 23,6363.4%
1940 27,91018.1%
1950 26,512−5.0%
1960 23,468−11.5%
1970 21,951−6.5%
1980 22,7513.6%
1990 25,74313.2%
2000 30,12617.0%
2010 29,393−2.4%
2020 27,201−7.5%
U.S. Decennial Census [18]
1790–1960 [19] 1900–1990 [20]
1990–2000 [21] 2010 [22]

2000 census

As of the 2000 census, [23] there were 30,126 people, 11,134 households, and 7,537 families living in the county. The population density was 6 people per square mile (2.3 people/km2). There were 14,254 housing units at an average density of 3 units per square mile (1.2/km2). The racial makeup of the county was 56.22% White, 0.78% Black or African American, 1.82% Native American, 0.54% Asian, 0.08% Pacific Islander, 36.21% from other races, and 4.33% from two or more races. 77.96% of the population were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 11,134 households, out of which 34.60% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.50% were married couples living together, 16.40% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.30% were non-families. 26.60% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.20% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.58 and the average family size was 3.10.

In the county, the population was spread out, with 27.40% under the age of 18, 10.90% from 18 to 24, 27.00% from 25 to 44, 22.90% from 45 to 64, and 11.70% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females there were 96.70 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 93.90 males.

The median income for a household in the county was $26,524, and the median income for a family was $31,250. Males had a median income of $27,307 versus $22,588 for females. The per capita income for the county was $13,268. About 19.90% of families and 24.40% of the population were below the poverty line, including 27.80% of those under age 18 and 25.90% of those age 65 or over.

2010 census

As of the 2010 census, there were 29,393 people, 11,978 households, and 7,275 families living in the county. [24] The population density was 6.2 inhabitants per square mile (2.4/km2). There were 15,595 housing units at an average density of 3.3 units per square mile (1.3 units/km2). [25] The racial makeup of the county was 66.6% white, 1.7% American Indian, 1.4% black or African American, 0.8% Asian, 0.1% Pacific islander, 25.4% from other races, and 3.9% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 76.8% of the population. [24] In terms of ancestry, 6.3% were German, 5.3% were English, and 1.6% were American. [26]

Of the 11,978 households, 28.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.6% were married couples living together, 14.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 39.3% were non-families, and 32.5% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.34 and the average family size was 2.95. The median age was 40.7 years. [24]

The median income for a household in the county was $32,213 and the median income for a family was $42,888. Males had a median income of $35,176 versus $28,351 for females. The per capita income for the county was $18,508. About 15.7% of families and 24.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 29.6% of those under age 18 and 22.7% of those age 65 or over. [27]

Communities

City

Villages

Census-designated places

Other communities

Ghost town

Education

Montezuma Castle is on the campus of the United World College of the American West Mcastle2003.jpg
Montezuma Castle is on the campus of the United World College of the American West

Public school districts include: [28]

Tertiary education institutions in San Miguel County include:

Native American Preparatory School, a private school, was in operation in the county until 2002. [29]

Notable people

Politics

San Miguel County has traditionally been heavily Democratic. The last time it voted Republican for president was 1956, and from 1992-2020 no Republican cracked 30% of the vote. Donald Trump broke through this particular record in 2024, when he carried 35% of the vote; his performance in the county was the best by a Republican presidential candidate since Reagan in 1984.

United States presidential election results for San Miguel County, New Mexico [30]
Year Republican Democratic Third party(ies)
No. %No. %No. %
2024 3,88734.99%6,98562.88%2362.12%
2020 3,42129.67%7,88868.41%2221.93%
2016 2,31321.51%7,28567.76%1,15310.72%
2012 2,30320.01%8,85076.90%3563.09%
2008 2,47819.15%10,32079.75%1431.11%
2004 3,31327.34%8,68371.67%1200.99%
2000 2,21524.18%6,54071.39%4064.43%
1996 1,93820.09%6,99572.51%7147.40%
1992 2,18323.26%6,18665.90%1,01810.84%
1988 2,76330.62%6,13167.95%1291.43%
1984 3,48539.38%5,22759.06%1381.56%
1980 3,29239.34%4,51453.94%5636.73%
1976 3,16237.17%5,20461.17%1411.66%
1972 4,43447.71%4,66350.18%1962.11%
1968 4,02748.12%4,08848.85%2533.02%
1964 2,71431.91%5,76767.81%240.28%
1960 3,98841.92%5,52058.02%60.06%
1956 5,08355.86%4,01444.11%30.03%
1952 5,36054.59%4,45145.34%70.07%
1948 4,65548.34%4,95351.44%210.22%
1944 4,01446.13%4,68453.83%40.05%
1940 4,88244.61%6,05455.32%70.06%
1936 4,69743.07%6,19956.84%100.09%
1932 5,36451.28%5,07648.53%200.19%
1928 5,18459.26%3,56040.70%40.05%
1924 3,89450.56%3,54346.00%2653.44%
1920 5,53558.11%3,99041.89%00.00%
1916 2,93256.37%2,23142.90%380.73%
1912 2,47955.67%1,74039.07%2345.25%

See also

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References

  1. ↑ "San Miguel County, New Mexico". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  2. ↑ "Find a County". National Association of Counties. Retrieved June 7, 2011.
  3. ↑ "2010 Census Gazetteer Files". United States Census Bureau. August 22, 2012. Archived from the original on January 1, 2015. Retrieved January 2, 2015.
  4. ↑ "San Miguel". Britannica. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  5. ↑ "Bell Ranch". U.S. Climate Data. Retrieved January 3, 2025.
  6. ↑ "Gascon, New Mexico 1991-2020 Monthly Normals". NOAA. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  7. ↑ Google Earth, 35.338N, 103.638W
  8. ↑ "Report Generator". U.S. Department of Agriculture. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  9. ↑ "New Mexico Individual County Chronologies". New Mexico Atlas of Historical County Chronologies. The Newberry Library. Retrieved January 10, 2025.
  10. ↑ "Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo". General Accounting Office. 2001. p. 148. Retrieved May 5, 2023.
  11. ↑ Knowlton, Clark S. (1980). "The Town of Las Vegas Community Land Grant: An Anglo-American Coup d'Etat". Journal of the West. 19: 14.
  12. ↑ "Becknell, William biography". Oklahoma Historical Society website. Archived from the original on November 3, 2012. Retrieved July 11, 2012.
  13. ↑ Gomez, Placido (1985). "The History and Adjudication of the Common Lands of Spanish and Mexican Land Grants". Natural Resources Journal. 25 (4): 1071. Retrieved December 25, 2024.
  14. ↑ Knowlton, Clark S. (1980). "The Town of Las Vegas Community Land Grant: An Anglo-American Coup d'Etat". Journal of the West. 19: 14–17.
  15. 1 2 Morgan, Brandon. "Las Gorras Blancas: Militant Resistance". Central New Mexico Community College. Retrieved December 25, 2024. Chapter 11: Resistance and Reliance in Territorial New Mexico from The History of New Mexico.
  16. ↑ Rosenbaum, Robert (1981). Mexicano Resistance in the Southwest. Austin: University of Texas Press. p. 167. ISBN   0292750978.
  17. ↑ Blackshear, James Bailey (2013). Honor and Defiance: A History of the Las Vegas Land Grant in New Mexico. Santa Fe: Sunstone Press. pp. 152–162. ISBN   9780865349780.
  18. ↑ "U.S. Decennial Census". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 2, 2015.
  19. ↑ "Historical Census Browser". University of Virginia Library. Retrieved January 2, 2015.
  20. ↑ "Population of Counties by Decennial Census: 1900 to 1990". United States Census Bureau. Retrieved January 2, 2015.
  21. ↑ "Census 2000 PHC-T-4. Ranking Tables for Counties: 1990 and 2000" (PDF). United States Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on March 27, 2010. Retrieved January 2, 2015.
  22. ↑ "State & County QuickFacts". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on July 28, 2011. Retrieved September 30, 2013.
  23. ↑ "U.S. Census website". United States Census Bureau . Retrieved January 31, 2008.
  24. 1 2 3 "DP-1 Profile of General Population and Housing Characteristics: 2010 Demographic Profile Data". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 24, 2016.
  25. ↑ "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 – County". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 24, 2016.
  26. ↑ "DP02 SELECTED SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS IN THE UNITED STATES – 2006–2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 24, 2016.
  27. ↑ "DP03 SELECTED ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS – 2006–2010 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates". United States Census Bureau. Archived from the original on February 13, 2020. Retrieved January 24, 2016.
  28. ↑ "2020 CENSUS – SCHOOL DISTRICT REFERENCE MAP: San Miguel County, NM" (PDF). U.S. Census Bureau. Archived (PDF) from the original on July 12, 2022. Retrieved July 12, 2022. – Text list
  29. ↑ Boyle, Christina (May 26, 2002). "Native American Preparatory School Graduates its Last Class". The Santa Fe New Mexican . p. B-1, B-4. – Clipping of first page and of second page at Newspapers.com. reprinted in Canku Ota, June 1, 2002.
  30. ↑ Leip, David. "Dave Leip's Atlas of U.S. Presidential Elections". uselectionatlas.org. Retrieved April 2, 2018.

35°28′N104°50′W / 35.47°N 104.83°W / 35.47; -104.83

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