Velarde, New Mexico facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Velarde
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 Velarde
Location in New Mexico
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| Country | United States |
| State | New Mexico |
| County | Rio Arriba |
| Settled | 1750 |
| Founded by | Juan Matias Velarde |
| Named for | Juan Antonio Pérez Velarde |
| Elevation | 5,906 ft (1,800 m) |
| Population | |
| • Total | 502 |
| GNIS feature ID | 2584231 |
Velarde is a small community in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico, United States. It is a "census-designated place" (CDP). This means it's an area defined for counting people, but it doesn't have its own city government. In 2010, about 502 people lived there. Velarde is located on New Mexico State Road 68, where the road enters the beautiful Rio Grande Gorge.
Contents
History of Velarde
How Velarde Got Its Name
Velarde was first settled in 1750 by Juan Matias Velarde. At that time, it was called "La Joya." This name likely came from an old Spanish land grant from 1712. "La Joya" means "The Jewel" in Spanish.
The Tewa people, who are Native Americans from this region, had their own names for the area. They called it Phahu'bu'u or Tsigubu'u. These names meant "basin of the chico bush" or "rabbit thorn."
The community was later named after Juan Antonio Pérez Velarde. He was a Spanish ancestor of Juan Matias Velarde. Juan Antonio settled near what is now Ciudad Juárez in Mexico in 1725. His family then moved north into New Mexico.
A Resting Place for Travelers
Velarde is located at the start of the Rio Grande canyon. It is along the "Low Road" that leads to Taos. For many years, this community was a peaceful spot for travelers to rest. This was especially true for those heading north out of the lower river country.
The Battle of Embudo Pass
During the Mexican–American War, Velarde was part of a major event. This was the Battle of Embudo Pass on January 29, 1847. This battle was part of the Taos Revolt.
In this battle, Tewa warriors and Mexican defenders fought against U.S. forces. The defenders used natural features like cedar trees and large rocks for protection. However, U.S. Colonel Sterling Price and his soldiers defeated them. This battle led to the Siege of Pueblo de Taos a week later. Today, crosses are still etched into rocks near where 20 local fighters fell. A map from that time simply called the settlement "Joya."
After the battle, a U.S. Army major tried to set up a military post in Velarde. But his unit was soon ordered to return to Taos.
Local Church and Traditions
Velarde has a mission church called the "Iglesia de la Virgen de Guadalupe." This church was part of the San Antonio de Embudo parish, which was based in Dixon.
People were sometimes buried at this church, but most burials happened at the Velarde Cemetery. Marriages often took place at the San Antonio church in Dixon or at the Catholic church of San Juan de los Caballeros (now Ohkay Owingeh).
Farming and Roadside Stands
By 1892, there were mentions of orchards and vineyards in Velarde. Commercial apple farms started in the late 1920s. When a modern highway was built through the village to Taos, roadside stands appeared. These stands sold local produce to travelers passing by.
People of Velarde
Population and Diversity
In 2010, there were 502 people living in Velarde. Most people in Velarde are of Hispanic or Latino background, making up about 84.86% of the population. The community also includes White and Native American residents, along with people of mixed backgrounds.
Households and Families
There were 222 households in Velarde in 2010. About 25.7% of these households had children under 18 living with them. Many households were married couples living together. Some households had a single parent, and others were made up of individuals living alone.
Education in Velarde
Velarde is part of the Española Public Schools district. The community has one elementary school, called Velarde Elementary. Older students attend Española Valley High School.
Things to See in Velarde
See also
In Spanish: Velarde (Nuevo México) para niños
