The Espanola Valley offers a historic past and a colorful present which combines the Indian, Spanish and Anglo Cultures. Whether you enjoy the spectacular scenerey of the high country, big game hunting, trout fishing, Casinos, exploring an ancient pueblo or visiting historic churches and villages, you'll find the Espanola Valley the perfect place.

The Espanola Valley was first settled about 700 years ago by the peaceful pueblo Indians. Don Juan De Onate was the first outside influence to colonize the Espanola Valley in 1598. Although European contact in New Mexico came with Coronado, an explorer, who also passed through the Valley in 1540. The first Spanish Capital in the United States was founded six miles North of present day Espanola at San Juan Pueblo. After several years in the Pueblo, the Capital was moved across the Rio Grande River to Yunque Owinque. Our present day capital is in Santa Fe

Prosperity came to the Espanola Valley in the late 1870's when the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad was established and the 'Chili Line' began carrying agricultural products from the Valley to other parts of the United States, i.e. wool, hides, pinon nuts, chili and other products.

Today, the Espanola Valley has experienced tremendous growth. The Los Alamos National Laboratory which came on the scene in the middle 40's is one of our area's largest employers. Other employers are the State of New Mexico, Nambe Mills, Espanola Schools, Espanola Hospital, Wal-Mart Super Center, Ohkay Casino Resort, Big Rock Casino, as well as several other employers in the business community. Our local Casinos have given the Espanola Valley a tremendous economic boost and have created employment to many of our Valley folks. It is a Valley with three cultures, Spanish, Indian and Anglo that have blended together to create a valley of friendly and industrious people.

Espanola is located in Southern Rio Arriba County and Northern Santa Fe County, approximately 25 miles North of Santa Fe, 18 miles to Los Alamos and approximately 100 miles from the Colorado border.

City of Espanola population base is approximately 9,688, Rio Arriba County's population base is approximately 40,755, according to the 2000 U.S. Census. Market area is estimated at approximately 65,000. Majority of Espanola Valley residents are between the ages of 35 to 54 years of age

Espanola Public School District is the 16th largest district in New Mexico

The Espanola Public Schools in comprised of 1 Kindergarten Center, eleven Elementary Schools, 1 Middle School, and 1 High School.

Northern New Mexico College - Campuses in Espanola and El Rito. A 4 year public community college serving a average of 2000 students per semester, offers 65 degree and certificate programs.

Twenty area Real Estate Businesses
Call Chamber of Commerce for information - 505 753-2831

City of Espanola - Council/Mayor 505 747-6100

Municipal Operating Budget (2002-3) $21,075,797

City of Espanola - 50 Acre Site 40% developed - 5 sites @ 2.5 acres each
Pueblo of Pojoaque Industrial Business Park - 100 acres
Tsay Corporation, San Juan Pueblo Highway 68
Santa Clara Developement Corp./Espanola
Los Alamos Research Park, Los Alamos

County Seat - Tierra Amarilla
County Seat Annex - Industrial Park Road, Espanola
3 Member County Commissioners
County Manager - 505 753-2992
County Assessor, Treasurer, Sheriff, County Clerk, County Magistrate and Probate Judge elected for 4 year terms.

Bandelier National Park
Plaza De Espanola Mission Convento
Onate Monument
San Juan Pueblo Ohkay Casino
Santa Clara Big Rock Casino and Bowling
Riverside Drive
Historic Villages
Black Mesa Santa Clara Golf Course
Abiquiu Lake
Santa Cruz Lake
Santuario De Chimayo
Chimayo Tradiong Post
Cumbres Toltec Railroad