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43-524: Española / ɛ s p ən ˈ j oʊ l ə / is a city primarily in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico , United States. A portion of the central and eastern section of the city is in Santa Fe County . Founded as a railroad village some distance from the old Indian town of San Juan de los Caballeros (now renamed Ohkay Owingeh ), it was named Española and officially incorporated in 1925. It has been called

86-484: 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

129-480: A household in the county was $ 29,429, and the median income for a family was $ 32,901. Males had a median income of $ 26,897 versus $ 22,223 for females. The per capita income for the county was $ 14,263. About 16.60% of families and 20.30% of the population were below the poverty line , including 23.30% of those under age 18 and 22.90% of those age 65 or over. As of the 2010 census , there were 40,246 people, 15,768 households, and 10,477 families living in

172-496: A legal dispute with Jemez Mountains Electric Cooperative , Satview Broadband has suspended services in Española as of March 2016. The city is served by several satellite TV services and is served by Windstream Communications for telecom and broadband service. 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

215-581: Is a county in the U.S. state of New Mexico . As of the 2020 census , the population was 40,363. Its county seat is Tierra Amarilla . Its northern border is the Colorado state line. Rio Arriba County comprises the Española , NM Micropolitan Statistical Area , which is also included in the Albuquerque - Santa Fe - Las Vegas , NM Combined Statistical Area . The county was one of nine originally created for

258-509: Is elected by a majority in the council to serve as mayor pro–tem , usually a member from the party that is in control of the council. *Denotes Resignation The City of Española is a part of the Española Public Schools district, with six of its 14 schools being located within the city. There is a Bureau of Indian Education (BIE)-affiliated tribal elementary school, Kha'p'o Community School , that has an Española address, though

301-589: Is now the United States. 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. Almost a century later, near the same region, Don Diego de Vargas established his villa at Santa Cruz . Prior to the arrival from Antonito, Colorado of the narrow gauge Denver and Rio Grande Railroad in 1880,

344-480: Is represented by Democrat Teresa Leger Fernandez . In the New Mexico legislature it is represented by Representatives Christine Chandler (District 43), Susan Herrera (District 41), Derrick Lente (District 65), Joseph Sanchez (District 40), Senator Leo Jaramillo (District 5), and Benny Shendo, Jr. (District 22). Current commissioners are: Rio Arriba County has six public school districts. Española Public Schools

387-431: Is run by a mayor–council government system under Strong-mayor form. The mayor and eight-member city councilors from their respected districts are elected to a four-year term, elections are constant every two years, with no term limits. The mayor appoints a city manager who supervises department heads, prepares the budget, and coordinates departments. Every two years during the organizational meeting, one council member

430-409: Is the downtown Española area, and the railroad began selling lots in the area. Anglo merchants, mountain men, and settlers slowly filtered into Española. Frank Bond and his brother George, who were Canadian emigrants , would later arrive in the city. Together they established the state's largest mercantile and a multi–million dollar wool empire. With them came economic growth and prominence. Española

473-464: Is the largest school district. Additionally, there is a Bureau of Indian Education (BIE)-affiliated tribal elementary school, Kha'p'o Community School , in Santa Clara Pueblo (the school's postal address states "Espanola"). 36°31′N 106°42′W  /  36.51°N 106.70°W  / 36.51; -106.70 Santa Cruz High School (Espa%C3%B1ola, New Mexico) In 1976

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516-454: Is the second largest employer, the Española Public Schools is the 16th largest school district in New Mexico. Recently, Northern New Mexico College has expanded its degree programs and made massive improvements to its campus, adding a new library and a new School of Education. Larger local businesses include Akal Securities Inc, a security company that employees over 500 people. Española has seen much commercial development on Riverside Drive,

559-628: The Rio Grande , the Rio Chama , and the Rio Santa Cruz. Española has a borderline cool semi-arid climate ( Köppen BSk )/ cool desert climate ( BWk ). The main Española weather station is hotter and drier than nearby cities due to relatively lower altitude, lying over 1,300 feet or 400 metres lower than Taos or county seat Tierra Amarilla . July is the hottest month, with an average high of 91 °F or 32.8 °C. The highest recorded temperature

602-505: The Territory of New Mexico in 1852. Originally extending west to the California line, it included the site of present-day Las Vegas, Nevada. The county seat was initially sited at San Pedro de Chamita , and shortly afterwards at Los Luceros . In 1860 the seat was moved to Plaza del Alcalde . Since 1880 Tierra Amarilla has been the county seat. The Battle of Embudo Pass took place in

645-417: 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. As of the census of 2010, there were 10,224 residing in the city. The racial makeup of the city was: The Los Alamos National Laboratory is the largest employer in Española; it accounts for over 12% employment of residents. The education sector

688-533: The Rio Grande region were explored by the Spanish in 1540. Don Juan de Oñate was the first to bring settlers here in 1598. His group stayed at Ohkay Owingeh for a time (calling the Tewa town San Juan de los Caballeros ), before settling in an abandoned Tewa village which he renamed San Gabriel . San Gabriel, close to modern Española, can thus be seen as the first capital city founded by people of European racial descent in what

731-439: The area after a woman who worked in a small restaurant in the area. In fact the name is a shortened form of Plaza Española ('Spanish town'), which likely was to differentiate it from the Tewa pueblo just to the south. Tewa people have lived in the area since the 13th century. They built towns in the area, now called 'pueblos', four of which still exist: Ohkay Owingeh, Pojoaque, Santa Clara and San Ildefonso. The upper reaches of

774-468: The city has a total area of 21.9 square kilometers (8.5 sq mi), with 21.7 square kilometers (8.4 sq mi) land and 0.2 square kilometers (0.077 sq mi) water, for a total of 0.83%. Española lies 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,

817-406: 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

860-614: The city's secondary main road. Retail and eatery chains are anchors of a shopping square which came into the city in 1999. Other stores followed. The fountain at Plaza de Española was designed as a replica of the Alhambra . The plaza is home to the Convent Mission, administered by the Episcopal Church. Satview Broadband , headquartered in Reno , is the local cable television company. Due to

903-445: 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. Neither high school operates after a merger of school districts in 1975. The importance of the railroad began to lessen as minimal passenger traffic and low shipments forced

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946-507: 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). At the census 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 inhabitants per square mile (446.1/km). There were 5,107 housing units at an average density of 189.2/square kilometer (489.8/square mile). The racial makeup of

989-413: The county. The population density was 6.9 inhabitants per square mile (2.7/km ). There were 19,638 housing units at an average density of 3.4 units per square mile (1.3 units/km ). The racial makeup of the county was 51.6% white, 16.0% American Indian, 0.5% black or African American, 0.4% Asian, 28.0% from other races, and 3.3% from two or more races. Those of Hispanic or Latino origin made up 71.3% of

1032-573: The creation of San Juan County and other adjustments. As of the 2000 census , there were 41,190 people, 15,044 households, and 10,816 families living in the county. The population density was 7 people per square mile (2.7 people/km ). There were 18,016 housing units at an average density of 3 units per square mile (1.2/km ). The racial makeup of the county was 56.62% White , 0.35% Black or African American , 13.88% Native American , 0.14% Asian , 0.11% Pacific Islander , 25.62% from other races , and 3.28% from two or more races. 72.89% of

1075-480: The early 1930s Rio Arriba was a traditional Republican county. The county became a Democratic stronghold from the 1930s onwards. The last Republican presidential candidate to carry the county was Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1956. No Republican candidate for governor has won the county since at least 1966. It is located in New Mexico's 3rd congressional district , which has a Cook Partisan Voting Index rating of D+7 and

1118-534: The first capital city in the United States. As of the 2020 census , the population was at 10,526. Española is within the Albuquerque–Santa Fe–Los Alamos combined statistical area . Española was referred to as La Vega de los Vigiles ('the Vigils' Meadow') before the presence of railroads. La Española means 'Spanish woman', and folk history attributes the name to railroad construction workers who named

1161-424: The growth of Española had now expanded east across the Rio Grande. Although several buildings of historical significance remain in 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. In the 1990s, a controversial plan to build a "plaza" and mission church where many historic buildings once stood

1204-473: The hamlet on the west-side of the Rio Grande was known as La Vega de los Vigiles in reference to the Vigil family who initially settled that area. The earliest document found indicates that La Vegas de los Vigiles had been populated by 1751, over 100 years before the railroad's arrival. With the coming of the railroad the name of the hamlet was changed to Española. Until 1886, when it was extended to Santa Fe , Española

1247-442: The population were Hispanic or Latino of any race. There were 15,044 households, out of which 36.90% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.80% were married couples living together, 15.90% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.10% were non-families. 23.50% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.80% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size

1290-414: The population. The largest ancestry groups were: Of the 15,768 households, 33.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 42.3% were married couples living together, 16.0% had a female householder with no husband present, 33.6% were non-families, and 28.2% of all households were made up of individuals. The average household size was 2.53 and the average family size was 3.09. The median age

1333-442: The railroad to close in 1941, with the tracks removed the following year. 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. The city removed

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1376-462: The railroad tracks and the train depot in the 1960s, and the railroads completely vanished. Businesses in Española vigorously opposed the abandonment of the D&;RGW 's narrow gauge in the early 1940's. 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

1419-739: 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. With the beginnings of Manhattan Project in nearby Los Alamos , many locals eventually found jobs at the Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). As much as nearly 9% of Española's population have been employed at LANL. 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 move into town, but

1462-554: The school is actually in Santa Clara Pueblo . Española Public Library is located inside the Richard Lucero Center at 313 North Paseo De Oñate. Its collection is about 50,000 items. Española serves as the setting for the 2023 black comedy series The Curse , which among other themes explores gentrification of the area. Rio Arriba County, New Mexico Rio Arriba County ( Spanish : Condado de Río Arriba )

1505-612: The southern part of the county during the Mexican–American War in January 1847. According to the U.S. Census Bureau , the county has a total area of 5,896 square miles (15,270 km ), of which 5,861 square miles (15,180 km ) are land and 35 square miles (91 km ) (0.6%) are water. It is the fifth-largest county in New Mexico by area. The highest point in the county is the summit of Truchas Peak at 13,102 feet (3,993 m). The county acquired its present proportions after

1548-433: The summer to commemorate the Spanish colonization and introduction of Christian faith to the area. The fiestas include live New Mexico and/or country music , vendors and parades. There are many locations near Española that provide for outdoor activity such as hiking, biking, and river sports like rafting and kayaking. Nearby winter sports include skiing (downhill and cross-country) and snowboarding. The city of Española

1591-582: Was 107 °F or 41.7 °C in 2003. The average coolest month is January at 45 °F or 7.2 °C. The lowest recorded temperature was −38 °F or −38.9 °C in 1971. The maximum average precipitation occurs in August with an average of 1.90 inches (48 mm). According to the 2011 annual report by the American Lung Association , the Santa Fe–Española CSA (metropolitan area) has

1634-400: Was 2.71 and the average family size was 3.19. In the county, the population was spread out, with 28.60% under the age of 18, 8.90% from 18 to 24, 28.80% from 25 to 44, 22.90% from 45 to 64, and 10.90% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females there were 98.00 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.70 males. The median income for

1677-431: Was 39.0 years. The median income for a household in the county was $ 41,437 and the median income for a family was $ 47,840. Males had a median income of $ 39,757 versus $ 31,657 for females. The per capita income for the county was $ 19,913. About 15.7% of families and 19.7% of the population were below the poverty line , including 20.6% of those under age 18 and 18.3% of those age 65 or over. From New Mexico's statehood to

1720-523: Was the headquarters for all the Bond family interests which included over 12 businesses across New Mexico. Frank R. Frankenburger, a business man born in Fort Scott, Kansas , was the first "elected" mayor; he was elected in 1923. The first mayor who was chosen in "popularity" was Frank Bond, in 1907. In 1925 Española was incorporated as a city. As the population rose, there was a high demand for public education in

1763-443: Was the terminus of the line. The Española station included an engine facility 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. Later popularly known as the " Chili Line ", this was part of an ambitious but unsuccessful proposal to connect Denver with Mexico City . The route extended into what today

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1806-417: 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

1849-543: Was up for consideration. The city agreed to 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. On September 18, 2008, Barack Obama , then a candidate for president, visited Española for a rally at the city's New Plaza in the Main Street district. According to the United States Census Bureau ,

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