Pojoaque, New Mexico facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Pojoaque, New Mexico
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Location of Pojoaque, New Mexico.
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 Pojoaque, New Mexico
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | New Mexico |
| County | Santa Fe |
| Area | |
| • Total | 4.37 sq mi (11.31 km2) |
| • Land | 4.37 sq mi (11.31 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.00 km2) |
| Elevation | 5,883 ft (1,793 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 2,071 |
| • Density | 474.13/sq mi (183.06/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-7 (Mountain (MST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-6 (MDT) |
| ZIP code |
87506
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| Area code(s) | 505 |
| FIPS code | 35-58630 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2409085 |
Pojoaque (/pəˈwɑːkiː/) is a community in Santa Fe County, New Mexico, United States. Its name comes from the Tewa language, Pʼohsųwæ̨geh Ówîngeh, which means "water gathering place". Pojoaque is part of the Santa Fe, New Mexico area. In 2020, about 2,071 people lived there.
The United States Census Bureau calls Pojoaque a census-designated place (CDP). This is a special area set up for counting people. Close by is Pojoaque Pueblo, which is an Indian reservation. The town of Pojoaque itself is a mix of communities with people from many different backgrounds. Some of the neighborhoods in the Pojoaque area include Cuyamungue, Jacona, Jaconita, Nambé, and El Rancho.
Contents
History of Pojoaque
Early Days of Pojoaque
In the early 1600s, the Spanish built their first mission here, called San Francisco de Pojoaque. The community was left empty during the Pueblo Revolt in 1680. People did not move back to Pojoaque until around 1706. By 1712, about 79 people lived there.
Later, in 1837, a New Mexico leader named Manuel Armijo defeated rebels near Pojoaque. In the early 1900s, the Pojoaque Valley School District was created. This helped provide education for children in the valley.
Pojoaque Pueblo's Story
Pojoaque Pueblo is one of the six Tewa-speaking Pueblos along the Rio Grande. It is also part of the Eight Northern Pueblos. The Pueblo was first settled around 500 AD. Its population was largest in the 1400s and 1500s.
Around 1900, a serious smallpox sickness caused the Pueblo to be abandoned again by 1912. But in 1934, people began to live in Pojoaque Pueblo once more. In 1936, it became a recognized Indian reservation by the U.S. government.
Today, Pojoaque Pueblo is a big employer in the area. It runs several businesses, including three casinos: Buffalo Thunder Resort, Cities of Gold Casino, and Jake's Casino. These businesses help the Pueblo's economy.
Geography of Pojoaque
Pojoaque covers about 2.9 square miles (7.5 square kilometers) of land.
Pojoaque Creek starts in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains from Nambé Lake. It flows west through the Pueblo. Then, it joins with the Rio Tesuque to form the Pojoaque River. This river eventually flows into the larger Rio Grande.
Population and People
| Historical population | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 2000 | 1,261 | — | |
| 2010 | 1,907 | 51.2% | |
| 2020 | 2,071 | 8.6% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
In 2000, there were 1,261 people living in Pojoaque. By 2010, the population grew to 1,907, and in 2020, it reached 2,071.
Pojoaque is a diverse community. Many people living there are of Hispanic or Latino background. There are also many Native American residents, as well as people of White and other backgrounds.
Arts and Culture
Pojoaque Pueblo has a strong focus on its culture. In 1987, they opened the Poeh Museum. This museum helps to preserve and share the history and art of the Pueblo people.
The Pueblo also opened the Cities of Gold Casino in the mid-1990s. Later, in 2008, they opened the Buffalo Thunder resort and casino. This is New Mexico's largest and most expensive resort. These businesses not only provide entertainment but also help support the Pueblo's community and cultural programs.
Education
The Pojoaque Valley School District serves the students in the Pojoaque Valley. This district includes several schools for different age groups:
- Pojoaque Valley High School (for older students)
- Pojoaque Middle School
- Pojoaque Sixth Grade Academy
- Pojoaque Intermediate School
- Pablo Roybal Elementary School (for younger students)
Pojoaque Valley High School's sports teams compete in the NMAA District 2AAAA.
Images for kids
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Highway overpass at Pojoaque, "Po-suwae-geh", or "the water drinking or gathering place".
See also
In Spanish: Pojoaque (Nuevo México) para niños
