Los Lunas in Valencia County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)

The Luna Mansion

Photographed by Frank Houdek, September 21, 2002

1. The Luna Mansion Marker

Inscription. Also known as the Luna-Otero home, it was built for Don Antonio Jose Luna by the Santa Fe Railroad in 1880 in return for a right of way through the family hacienda. Numerous trips through the south inspired the design and style of architecture, although the basic material is handmade adobe brick. The Luna and Otero families emigrated from Spain in the early 1690’s and settled in the Rio Abajo or “Lower River” portion of the Rio Grande Valley on the lands granted by Spain’s King Phillip. Marriages between the families formed the Luna-Otero Dynasty, the most powerful economic and political entity of its time. Soloman Luna, acknowledged architect of New Mexico’s State Constitution, deeded the home to his nephew, Don Eduardo Otero in the early 1900’s. During this time, Don Eduardo’s wife, Josefita (Pepe) Manderfield Otero made the improvements to the mansion giving it the appearance maintained today. Once serving as a residence for two of New Mexico’s most prominent families, the Luna-Otero Mansion is preserved today as a Valencia Co. landmark, serving the public as a fine restaurant and displaying an important part of

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New Mexico history.

Erected 2002 by Lost Dutchman Chapter 5917+4 and Chief Truckee Chapter 3691 of the Ancient and Honorable order of E Clampus Vitus.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Hispanic Americans • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the E Clampus Vitus series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1880.

Location. 34° 48.448′ N, 106° 44.175′ W. Marker is in Los Lunas, New Mexico, in Valencia County. It is on Main Street Northwest (State Road 6), on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 110 Main Street Northwest, Los Lunas NM 87031, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Rio Grande Valley

and in Greater Albuquerque.

It is also in the American Southwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also the Republic of Texas.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured

The Luna Mansion image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Frank Houdek

2. The Luna Mansion

Members of ECV at the time of the marker dedication are gathered on the porch. The marker is mounted on the front wall to the right of the entrance door.

as the crow flies: Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad Depot (approx. 0.9 miles away); Valencia (approx. 2.1 miles away); Peralta (approx. 3.3 miles away); Vásquez de Coronado's Route (approx. 3.9 miles away); Tomé (approx. 4.6 miles away); Pueblo of Isleta (approx. 6.8 miles away); Pueblo of Isleta Tuei (approx. 7½ miles away); Belén (approx. 7.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Los Lunas.

Regarding The Luna Mansion. This mansion is now the site of the Luna Mansion Landmark Steakhouse Restaurant.

Credits. This page was last revised on January 2, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 1, 2011, by Frank Houdek of Kingman, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,903 times since then and 128 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 1, 2011, by Frank Houdek of Kingman, Arizona. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.