Guadalupe County
Grants Awarded
The project plans to build a mountain bike jump park, a pump track/skate park, and a 6.4-mile trail loop to bolster local tourism and provide new recreational opportunities for local youth, hence promoting economic growth. With Phase 1 close to completion, Phase 2 focuses on building the Mother Road Bike Park and a concrete skatepark, funded by a $499,999 application and additional funds from Guadalupe Community Development Corporation and the City of Santa Rosa. In Phase 3, a trail loop with Bentonville style trail features and enhancements to Blue Hole Park, like pedestrian trails and bridges, are intended for a comprehensive biking and lakeside recreation experience.
Guadalupe County, New Mexico, was established on February 26, 1891, from parts of Lincoln and San Miguel counties, named after Our Lady of Guadalupe. The county was originally the site of Spanish land grants, including the Aqua Negra, Jose Perea, and Anton Chico grants. Its early history is rooted in Native American culture and Spanish colonization, with Santa Rosa becoming the county seat in 1903. The county is also known for Santa Rosa’s Blue Hole, a natural artesian spring, and was a significant stop on the historic Route 66. Key Historical Periods Spanish Land Grants: Before the county’s creation, the land was part of large Spanish land grants, reflecting the area’s Spanish colonial history. County Formation: Guadalupe County was established by the New Mexico Territorial Legislature in 1891 from parts of Lincoln and San Miguel counties. County Seat: Puerto de Luna was the initial county seat, but it was moved to Santa Rosa in 1903. Route 66 and Santa Rosa: In 1926, the major east-west highway through Santa Rosa was designated as US 66, leading to the town’s development as a popular stop with motels and cafes. Cultural Heritage Spanish Heritage: The county’s name and its origins in Spanish land grants highlight the deep Hispanic and Native American heritage of the region. Name Origin: The county was named after Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe, a prominent religious figure. Literary Connection: Santa Rosa, the county’s main town, served as the inspiration for the fictional town of Guadalupe in Rudolfo Anaya’s autobiographical novel Bless Me, Ultima. Notable Features The Blue Hole: Santa Rosa’s Blue Hole is an 81-foot-deep natural artesian spring that serves as a popular destination for divers and swimmers. Historic Architecture: The Guadalupe County Courthouse, built in 1909, was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987 and later renovated in 2009.