Concho, Arizona facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Concho, Arizona
Census-designated place
West view of the water tower in the Concho Valley area, as seen along SR 61
Location of Concho in Apache County, Arizona.
Concho, Arizona Location in Arizona
Country	United States
State	Arizona
County	Apache
Area
• Total	0.46 sq mi (1.20 km2)
• Land	0.46 sq mi (1.19 km2)
• Water	0.00 sq mi (0.01 km2)
Elevation	5,952 ft (1,814 m)
Population  (2020)
• Total	54
• Density	117.65/sq mi (45.45/km2)
Time zone	UTC-7 (Mountain (MST))
ZIP code	85924
Area code(s)	928
GNIS feature ID	2582761

Concho is a small community in Apache County, Arizona, United States. It is known as a census-designated place (CDP). Concho is located on Arizona State Route 61, about 14 miles (23 km) west of St. Johns.

Concho was once considered for the state capital. This was because of its successful farming. In 2010, the Concho CDP had a population of 38 people. The area uses the ZIP code 85924. The United States Postal Service has a Post Office in Concho along Arizona State Route 61.

Discovering Concho's Past

Ancient Peoples and Early Settlers

Before Europeans arrived, the Concho area was home to Ancestral Puebloans. You can still see the ruins of their old villages today. Later, Athabaskan-speaking groups came to the region. These were the ancestors of today's Apache and Navajo peoples. They are the largest Indigenous groups in northeastern Arizona.

The Apache people controlled the Concho area for a long time. This lasted until the late 1800s. At that time, Apache leaders like Lozen and Goyaałé surrendered.

How Concho Was Founded

The first non-Indigenous settlers in Concho were Hispanic families from New Mexico. This happened in the late 1800s. We don't know the exact founding date. It was likely in the late 1850s or early 1860s.

Don Manuel Antonio Candelaria is often called the first known settler. He first came to the area in the 1840s as a child. He lived with the Apache people for many years. As a young man, he returned to his birth family. In 1861, Candelaria came back to Concho with his family. He brought 700 sheep and goats to settle the area permanently. Other Hispanic families also settled here by the 1870s. These included the Archunde, Atencio, Baca, Chavez, Gallegos, Padilla, and Romero families.

The Story Behind the Name "Concho"

Some people say "Concho" comes from a Basque word. They think it means "a small valley." However, there is no proof for this idea. It is more likely that the name comes from the Spanish word concha. This word means "shell."

Early settlers saw many small shells along Concho Creek. The creek used to flow all year round. So, they named the settlements "Las Conchas," or "The Shells." Church records called the settlement "El Rio Colorado Chiquito." This means "The Small Red/Colored River." But locals just called it Las Conchas. Over time, this name became "El Concho," and then simply "Concho."

Changes and Growth in Concho

In 1879, a group of Latter-Day Saints arrived. They were led by William J. Flake. They bought land and named their community Erastus. This was to honor Apostle Erastus Snow. But in 1890, they changed the name back to Concho. This was to match the existing Mexican community.

Concho was once a major center in northeast Arizona. It was a busy small town for many years. But events like World War II caused people to leave. Over time, Concho became a smaller community.

Concho Today: Old and New

The original village of Concho is sometimes called "Old Concho." It has many traditions and stories. Each year, people gather for the San Rafael Fiestas. Residents and relatives come from far away to celebrate. Concho also has a special Memorial Day parade and picnic. It is the only one in Arizona that happens right on Memorial Day.

A newer part of Concho is called "Concho Valley." It is outside the original village. This area started in 1971. It grew a lot when the Coronado Generating Station was built nearby. A popular spot was the local country club and golf course. It closed in 2010. Now, the clubhouse is a pizza place. The old golf course is a park-like area with homes and gardens.

Concho Lake is mainly used to water "Old Concho." But people also enjoy it for fishing, boating, and other fun activities. Both parts of Concho offer a peaceful country feel. They have clear skies and a strong sense of community. The total population of "Old Concho" and "Concho Valley" is about 800–900 people.

Concho's Population

Learning in Concho

Concho has its own school district. It is called the Concho Elementary School District. The school in the district is Concho Elementary School. The Apache County Library District also runs the Concho Public Library.

See also

In Spanish: Concho (Arizona) para niños