Otowi Historic District facts for kids
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Otowi Historic District
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Buildings at Otowi Crossing
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 Location in New Mexico
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Santa Fe, New Mexico |
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| Area | 29 acres (12 ha) |
| Built | 1886 |
| Built by | Union Bridge Company |
| Architectural style | Pueblo |
| NRHP reference No. | 75001170 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | December 4, 1975 |
The Otowi Historic District is a special area in northern Santa Fe County, New Mexico. It covers about 29-acre (12 ha) (about 12 hectares). This district has four important buildings and three important structures. One of these structures is the Otowi Suspension Bridge. The district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975.
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What is the Otowi Historic District?
A historic district is a place that has been kept safe because of its history. It often includes old buildings, bridges, or other structures. The Otowi Historic District helps us remember important events and people from the past. It shows how people lived and traveled in this part of New Mexico long ago.
A Place with a Special Name
Otowi is located on the west side of the Rio Grande river. It is at the start of White Rock Canyon. The name "Otowi" comes from the Tewa language. It means "gap where water sinks." This name describes the natural features of the area.
The Chili Line Railroad and Otowi
Otowi was first set up in 1886. Back then, it was called White Rock Canon. It was a small station and a place to cross the river for a train line. This train line was known as the "Chili Line." It was a narrow-gauge railroad that went to Santa Fe. The Chili Line helped people and goods move around the area.
A Bridge to History: Otowi's Role
In 1923, a school nearby, the Los Alamos Ranch School, wanted a post office at Otowi. They couldn't use the school's name because another place already had it. So, "Otowi" was chosen for the post office.
A special single-lane road bridge was built in 1924. This was a suspension bridge, which means it hung from cables. It made it easier for people to cross the river. The Chili Line railroad was removed in 1941, and the post office closed that same year.
The Secret Lab and Otowi's Bridge
In 1943, something very important happened. The U.S. Government took over the Los Alamos Ranch School. They turned it into a secret science lab called Los Alamos National Laboratory. Here, scientists worked on a very important project during World War II. This project was called the Manhattan Project.
Almost all the people and supplies going to this secret lab had to cross the river at Otowi. They used New Mexico State Road 4 (now called NM 502). This made the Otowi bridge and crossing a very busy and important place.
A Famous Book and a Special Hostess
Otowi is also famous because of a book called The House at Otowi Bridge. This book was written by Peggy Pond Church in 1960. It tells the story of Edith Warner. She lived at Otowi from 1921 to 1951.
Edith Warner was the postmistress and ran a shop in the early years. Later, she became known for her tea rooms. Scientists from the secret Manhattan Project often visited her tea rooms. She was a kind and welcoming hostess to many important people.
Images for kids
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Otowi suspension bridge
