 |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Belen The Middle Rio Grande Valley, at the heart of Valencia County, was once inhabited by the Pueblo and the Tewa, as well as other native groups. They lived simply yet beautifully, farming corn, chile, beans and hay. In 1598, the first Spanish settlers colonized parts of the Rio Grande Valley where they were met warmly by the Indians, who assisted them with farming and daily living. In 1850, New Mexico became a territory and by 1852, the county of Valencia was established as one of seven counties. The Land of Enchantment became the 47th state in 1912. Valencia County has undergone three border changes, with one final split in 1981, when Cibola County was created. This division resulted in the boundaries Valencia County has today, making it territorially one of the smallest counties in the state. But population-wise, it's the third fastest growing county in the state. It's an area steeped in charm, from its agricultural fields, to the tree-lined river flowing through its center, to its multi-cultural past and historic roots. The average elevation of the County is 4,800 feet and it gets about 7-10 inches of rain each year. The average annual snowfall is less than 5 inches and seldom exceeds 1-2 inches (generally melts in a few hours). Many of Valencia County's residents have raised families, farmed and done business in its communities for generations. Part of its modern allure is the proximity and easy access to the big city (Albuquerque), but with enough distance for its 70,000 residents to maintain a quieter lifestyle. The combination of low taxes, high quality of life, and employment potential has drawn residents and businesses. Nestled along the Rio Grande, shadowed by the Manzano Mountains, the towns and villages of Valencia County still enjoy a rural atmosphere, even though area growth has exploded in just the past few years. Traditional lifestyles delicately blend with the modern thinking of today's world. Like the meandering Rio Grande that snakes through the County, the pace is a little slower. Valencia County is home to a unique cultural mix of natives, ancestors of early colonization and many newcomers who are discovering Valencia County for the first time. It will always have the convenience of being close to one of the largest urban centers in the Southwest but will forever retain a high quality of life, an individual identity and business opportunities few areas can offer. Valencia County is made up of three municipalities: Belen, Bosque Farms and Los Lunas; and many smaller communities like Adelino, Bosque, El Cerro Mission, Jarales, Los Chavez, Meadow Lake, Peralta, Pueblitos, Rio Communities, Sabinal Tome, Valencia and Veguita. Belen, meaning Bethlehem, was originally settled by two Spaniards named Diego Torres and Antonio Salazar. The City of Belen is one such community of descendants of the families who have remained since its founding in 1941. The city has seen its share of growth but retains the unique blend of cultures that make it true New Mexico. Belen is the Hub City--so called because it's almost in the center of the state and because its rail yard make it one of the major centers of the old Santa Fe Railway system. Belen is home to 7,200 people, a city of heart and soul, a place where bank tellers and grocery clerks know your fist name, where your child's teacher might be your next door neighbor. Bosque Farms was settled in 1934 and has the choice rural living of New Mexico for horse lovers and community functions involving horseback riding, rodeo area, fairgrounds and horse shows. This is a community of 4,500 people where traditional values are today's values; where the individual is important; where you can drive down a modern main street and see horse back riders along the river. Despite the convenient 15 minute proximity to Albuquerque, the largest urban community in the State of New Mexico, Bosque Farms will not be swept up in urban sprawl.
Founded by Spanish settlers in the mid-17th Century, the Village of Los Lunas boasts a strong tri-cultural heritage that is felt even today. It was part of a land grant in 1716 that was claimed by Antonio Jose Luna. Luna was a shepherd and eventually became an influential political leader of the village. Los Lunas is located just 20 minutes south of Albuquerque and is home to 10,00 people. Those who live here know the Village of Los Lunas is an area with opportunities; an area perfectly suited for any home or business; an area where neighbors know neighbors. It is one of the fastest growing communities in the state and is more ready than some to deal with it. With a 20-year master plan in place, city planners are preparing for a healthy, but controlled, influx of new business as economic growth in Los Lunas continues its steady rise.
The Tome Hill, between Los Lunas and Belen off NM 47, was formed 3 million years ago by volcanic activity. It sits 400 feet above the Rio Grande. Residents of Isleta Pueblo once conducted rituals at Tome Hill. It was a landmark for Spanish settlers who came in cavalcades along the Camino Real. These settlers later herded sheep on and around the Tome Hill. Penitentes and other Christians made pilgrimages to plant crosses on top. Today it is the focus of an annual Good Friday trek by pilgrims; it's an emotional journey in which myriad examples of real faith are put into action--a truely unique experience. Tome was founded in the 1600's and has a rich cultural history. With Tome's rich history and its openness to share (educate), it was logical that the University of New Mexico--Valencia Campus found Tome to be an advantageous location. The campus has over 1600 students and offers two-year Associate Degrees, one-year certificates and classes towards Bachelor's Degrees.
 The quaint village holds fast to its historic air that makes it a site well worth seeing. From its historical church which houses artifacts dating more than 200 years back to its religious shrine of Tome Hill to its farmland to its good people, Tome offers a peaceful and serene lifestyle.
|
|
