La Cueva in Mora County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)

La Cueva National Historic District

Photographed by J. J. Prats, April 21, 2014

1. La Cueva National Historic District Marker

Inscription. This ranching community was established by Vicente Romero in the early 1850s. The grist mill was built in the 1870s. Its proximity to Fort Union and the Santa Fe Trail helped the ranch develop into one of the region’s most important commercial centers. The mill, mercantile buildings, two-story residence and San Rafael Church were designated a National Historic District in 1973.

Erected by New Mexico Historic Preservation Division.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1973.

Location. 35° 56.466′ N, 105° 15.005′ W. Marker is in La Cueva, New Mexico, in Mora County. It is at the intersection of State Highway 518 and State Highway 442 on State Highway 518. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 15 Highway 518, Rainsville NM 87736, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Northern New Mexico.

It is also in the American Southwest,

in the Mountain West,

and on the Santa Fe Trail Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Rocky Mountains,

the Western

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Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Dust Bowl,

and the Republic of Texas.

Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within 14 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: La Cueva Mill (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); St. Vrain Mill (approx. 5 miles away); Curanderas — Women Who Heal (approx. 5.4 miles away); Strike Valleys (approx. 8½ miles away); Hermit’s Peak (approx. 14 miles away).

Regarding La Cueva National Historic District. The Romero-La Cueva Ranch is now the Salman Ranch. All of the land and buildings of this historic district is private property. Inquire at the general store for permission to walk the grounds.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, April 21, 2014

2. La Cueva National Historic District Marker

La Cueva Mill image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, April 21, 2014

3. La Cueva Mill

A Mercantile Building Next to the Mill image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, April 21, 2014

4. A Mercantile Building Next to the Mill

Salman Ranch Store image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, April 21, 2014

5. Salman Ranch Store

Salman Ranch is known for its raspberries. There are some great treats inside.

San Rafael Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, April 21, 2014

6. San Rafael Church

Vicente Romero House at La Cueva Rancho image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Richard Federici, NPS

7. Vicente Romero House at La Cueva Rancho

Credits. This page was last revised on August 8, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 27, 2014, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 1,040 times since then and 36 times this year. Last updated on July 30, 2025, by Bill Wingate of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on April 27, 2014, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 5, 6. submitted on April 28, 2014, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. 7. submitted on September 19, 2015, by J. Makali Bruton of Washington, District of Columbia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.

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