Espanola, New Mexico

Espanola, New Mexico The Jewel of Northern New Mexico. Espanola was founded in 1598 by Spain as the first capitol of New Mexico. It sits in the northern Rio Grande Valley between the Jemez Mountains and Truchas Peaks, and is a very convenient base for exploring northern New Mexico. 

The region celebrates traditional Hispanic and Pueblo Indian cultures with fiestas held throughout the year.

Espanola's history is long and colorful. It was founded as a railroad town along with construction of the Santa Fe Railroad, which operated in the area from 1889 to 1941.
But history in this region runs back well before railroad days. Native Americans have inhabited the region for over a thousand years, and maybe for ten times that long.
New Mexico's first Spanish community was established by Don Juan de Onate in 1598, just north of city limits on San Juan Pueblo land. That settlement was short-lived as Santa Fe took over as the focal point of conquering Spaniards. But the village of Santa Cruz, now a sort of Espanola suburb, has been an active norteno community for over two centuries, its ancient church a landmark in the area.

A community rich in tradition and values, the cultural quilt of Espanola encompasses many centuries of history. From the moment Don Juan de Oñate established the first new-world capital here some 400 years ago, Espanola has been defined by diversity and cultural mobility-everything from extraordinary lowrider automobiles to world -class dining and sightseeing. Deep Hispanic family roots coexist easily with contemporary values and practices, giving Espanola its own unique personality

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