Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Mora County, La Cueva, New Mexico, stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the American Southwest. This historic district, founded in approximately 1851 as the La Cueva Ranch, owes its origins to the enterprising vision of Vicente Romero. The very name, La Cueva, Spanish for “the cave,” is said to originate from Romero’s practical use of the numerous local caves for shelter during his days as a sheepherder.
Romero, though not an original grantee of the Mora Land Grant, strategically acquired shares totaling an impressive 33,000 acres. His marriage to Maria Josefa Valdez, daughter of a significant landholder in the grant, further solidified his connection to the region. Together, they established a legacy that would shape the economic and social fabric of the area.
The Foundation of an Empire: Vicente Romero’s Vision
Vicente Romero was far more than just a sheepherder; he was a prominent freighter and a shrewd businessman who recognized the immense potential of the land he had acquired. His property, uniquely situated among three vital streams, harnessed the power of the nearby Mora River, setting the stage for significant development.
Early Development and Infrastructure
Romero’s ambitious plans quickly materialized. He constructed an expansive 8,000-square-foot, two-story adobe home for his growing family. The 1860s witnessed further expansion with the addition of a crucial grist mill, extensive warehouses, a mercantile building, and corrals, transforming the ranch into a vibrant hub. By 1868, a post office was officially established within the mercantile, underscoring the area’s growing importance.
The Power of Water: Acequias and the Mill
Understanding the critical role of water, Romero engineered an intricate system of acequias, or irrigation ditches, by diverting a portion of the Mora River. This ingenious network served a dual purpose: it powered the La Cueva Mill and provided essential irrigation to Romero’s farms, which yielded abundant quantities of fruit, vegetables, and grain. For a considerable period, the La Cueva Mill became the principal supplier of flour and wheat to Fort Union, a major military outpost located about 20 miles east near Watrous. This fort, being the largest in the Southwest, played a pivotal role in safeguarding travelers along the historic Santa Fe Trail. At its peak, the mill dispatched up to 60 horse and oxen-drawn wagons of milled grain daily to the fort, fulfilling critical supply needs for both the military and the newly established Indian reservations. The ranch also proved indispensable in providing sustenance to weary travelers traversing the Santa Fe Trail.
Spiritual and Social Center: San Rafael Church and the Hacienda
Romero’s contributions extended beyond commerce. In 1862, he initiated the construction of a church on his property. Completed in 1870, the San Rafael Church, named in honor of his eldest son, became a beautiful adobe and wood structure featuring a distinctive Gothic style with strong French influences. Although primarily a family chapel for the Romeros and subsequent owners, it served as a vital spiritual center for the community until its last mass in 1952. Today, the church stands meticulously restored and maintained, a powerful symbol of faith and history.
Around Romero’s thriving ranch, the small Hispanic village of La Cueva naturally coalesced, quickly evolving into a significant trade center along the Santa Fe Trail. The Romero hacienda itself served as the region’s social heart, offering travelers large stables for their horses and protection from potential Indian raids through robust adobe walls at the rear. A bell, still mounted on the west side of the house, once sounded warnings of impending attacks, a poignant reminder of the frontier’s challenges.
Transition and Evolution: Post-Romero Era
Vicente Romero passed away on August 30, 1879, and was laid to rest beneath the altar of the San Rafael Church, later joined by his wife, Josepha. In 1880, ownership of the ranch officially transferred to Josepha and their oldest son, Rafael.
The La Cueva Ranch Company
In September 1883, Rafael Romero, alongside David Deuel and Charles White, incorporated the La Cueva Ranch Company. This new entity aimed to manage real estate, construct and operate irrigation ditches, raise and trade livestock, and engage in merchandising, milling, and farming activities. Deuel and White eventually acquired Romero’s interest, further solidifying the ranch’s corporate structure. By 1908, the rancho had grown to become the second-largest in New Mexico Territory, with vast cultivated areas and pasturage for approximately 4,500 head of cattle during winter months.
Changing Hands and Renewed Purpose
Over the ensuing years, the ranch underwent subdivision and was sold in several parcels. Despite these changes, the mill continued its essential operations, grinding wheat and even generating electricity until the mid-20th century. Its extensive acequia system also remained active, irrigating 3,400 acres and feeding the local lakes.
In 1944, Colonel William Salman and his wife Frances purchased a portion of the original La Cueva Ranch, rebranding it as the Salman Ranch. Colonel Salman initiated a revitalization effort, focusing on farm products, particularly raspberries. By 1950, he successfully reunited the five separate properties, restoring the ranch to its original Romero footprint. His son, David, continued this legacy of conservation and land protection for 40 years before his sister, Frances, took over as Managing Partner, upholding family values and stewardship until its sale in 2016.
La Cueva Today: A Living Heritage
The cattle-ranching Abell family of Austin, Texas, who already owned adjoining property and had operated in Northeastern New Mexico since 1996, acquired the ranch. Renamed La Cueva Farm, the Abells continue the same operations, traditions, and community presence fostered by the Salmans. Today, La Cueva serves as both a private residence and a working farm. During the summer months, visitors are welcome to enjoy raspberry picking, connecting with the land’s agricultural heritage.
National Recognition and Enduring Structures
The La Cueva Historic District, encompassing a significant 470 acres, received well-deserved recognition when it was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. A remarkable number of the original ranch buildings endure, including the two-story stone and adobe La Cueva Mill, the mercantile store, the grand two-story hacienda, various storage buildings, the San Rafael Church, stables, portions of the acequias, a working farm, and several outbuildings. Surrounding some of these historic properties are corrals constructed from adobe and flagstone, echoing the construction methods of generations past. While much of the mill’s interior machinery has been removed, its impressive water wheel remains in place, a powerful visual reminder of its industrial past. Crucially, a substantial portion of Romero’s elaborate irrigation system continues to serve the valley, a testament to its original design and enduring functionality.
Conclusion
Located just five miles southeast of Mora, New Mexico, at the intersection of NM 442 and NM 518, La Cueva, New Mexico, is more than just a dot on the map; it is a vibrant historic district that beautifully preserves the rich tapestry of its past. From Vicente Romero’s pioneering spirit and the bustling trade along the Santa Fe Trail to the careful stewardship of subsequent owners, La Cueva embodies the unique blend of agricultural innovation, cultural heritage, and community resilience that defines the American Southwest. Its enduring structures and operational traditions continue to tell a compelling story of adaptation, perseverance, and historical significance, inviting visitors to step back in time and appreciate the profound legacy of this remarkable place.
