Early Counties of New Mexico


New Mexico has always been divided into two areas, the Río Abajo, the area south of la Bajada, which is a steep incline near Cochiti Pueblo, and the Río Arriba, which is the area north of La Bajada. In 1850, there were only seven counties in New Mexico.

Río Abajo
Bernalillo
Valencia

Río Arriba
Río Arriba
San Miguel
Santa Fe
Taos
Santa Ana


In 1860, there were ten counties in New Mexico plus the eleventh county of Arizona. The New Mexico Territory had not be divided into two distinct states yet.

Río Abajo
Bernalillo
Valencia
Socorro
Doña Ana

Río Arriba
Río Arriba
San Miguel
Santa Fé
Santa Ana
Taos
Mora


In 1870, there were thirteen counties in New Mexico.

Río Abajo
Bernalillo
Valencia
Socorro
Lincoln
Grant
Doña Ana

Río Arriba
Río Arriba
San Miguel
Santa Fé
Santa Ana
Taos
Colfax
Mora


The one major change in New Mexico's counties in 1880, is that Santa Ana county becomes part of Bernalillo County, so there are only twelve counties at this time.



Historical Facts of New Mexico's Counties'        




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My New Mexico Roots
© Nancy López

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