Located at the heart of the Estancia Valley just south of Moriarty, Estancia
(which means “resting place”) is rich in history and character. Throughout
recorded history, Estancia has been a popular stopping point for regional
travelers, thanks to its clean, spring-fed lake. The area has been historically
associated with agriculture, including cattle ranching and farming. The town
has been the county seat since 1905, and was incorporated in 1909. For over
two decades in the early part of the 20th century, it was home to the
headquarters of the New Mexico Central Railway. Growth during these years
was largely responsible for the current physical configuration of the town, which
is primarily a grid pattern of smaller residential properties, with commercial
development – including restaurants, filling stations, and a variety of other
commercial enterprises. The Town of Estancia has made the visual
attractiveness of the commercial district and preservation of a small-town
atmosphere a high priority.
In many ways, Estancia may be considered the area’s most aggressive
community with respect to providing amenities to residents and businesses.
The town is served by municipal water and sewer systems, curbside trash
removal, and a natural gas utility. Estancia boasts a newly-completed, $1
million public library. Arthur Park, with its lake, provides area residents and
visitors with fishing, picnicking, and other recreational opportunities. The town
is the first community in the Estancia Valley to build a community recreation
center with a swimming pool. Estancia is also home to the Torrance County
Fairgrounds and rodeo arena, as well as a baseball park. The town also owns
the Estancia Municipal Airport, located just east of the Town of Estancia.
The picture below shows one view of the Town in 1906. If you have interesting
stories, facts, or images of the Town's earlier times and would like to share
them for this site, contact webmaster@townofestancia.com. Thank you!
(which means “resting place”) is rich in history and character. Throughout
recorded history, Estancia has been a popular stopping point for regional
travelers, thanks to its clean, spring-fed lake. The area has been historically
associated with agriculture, including cattle ranching and farming. The town
has been the county seat since 1905, and was incorporated in 1909. For over
two decades in the early part of the 20th century, it was home to the
headquarters of the New Mexico Central Railway. Growth during these years
was largely responsible for the current physical configuration of the town, which
is primarily a grid pattern of smaller residential properties, with commercial
development – including restaurants, filling stations, and a variety of other
commercial enterprises. The Town of Estancia has made the visual
attractiveness of the commercial district and preservation of a small-town
atmosphere a high priority.
In many ways, Estancia may be considered the area’s most aggressive
community with respect to providing amenities to residents and businesses.
The town is served by municipal water and sewer systems, curbside trash
removal, and a natural gas utility. Estancia boasts a newly-completed, $1
million public library. Arthur Park, with its lake, provides area residents and
visitors with fishing, picnicking, and other recreational opportunities. The town
is the first community in the Estancia Valley to build a community recreation
center with a swimming pool. Estancia is also home to the Torrance County
Fairgrounds and rodeo arena, as well as a baseball park. The town also owns
the Estancia Municipal Airport, located just east of the Town of Estancia.
The picture below shows one view of the Town in 1906. If you have interesting
stories, facts, or images of the Town's earlier times and would like to share
them for this site, contact webmaster@townofestancia.com. Thank you!
| Town of Estancia History |
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Phone 505-384-2708 Fax 505-384-2267 513 Williams, Estancia NM 87016
Estancia appeared on maps many years before it was established as a town site.
The Santa Fe central railroad opened up the Estancia Valley to home seekers in
1900. A post office was established in September 1903 with H.B. Hawkins as
postmaster. A general store took the place of the railroad commissary and many
other businesses were soon opened. The Town of Estancia was incorporated on
October 4, 1909 at a meeting of the county commissioners. The first term of
Estancia's own school began in November of 1903 with Ney B. Gorman as teacher.
The first church service held in Estancia was by the Rev. A.P. Morrison, DD of the
Methodist Church in October or 1903. The service was held in the old news room with
two ladies and forty men present. The town continues to grow and we can anticipate
many “firsts” for our valley town.
The Santa Fe central railroad opened up the Estancia Valley to home seekers in
1900. A post office was established in September 1903 with H.B. Hawkins as
postmaster. A general store took the place of the railroad commissary and many
other businesses were soon opened. The Town of Estancia was incorporated on
October 4, 1909 at a meeting of the county commissioners. The first term of
Estancia's own school began in November of 1903 with Ney B. Gorman as teacher.
The first church service held in Estancia was by the Rev. A.P. Morrison, DD of the
Methodist Church in October or 1903. The service was held in the old news room with
two ladies and forty men present. The town continues to grow and we can anticipate
many “firsts” for our valley town.