About Us:

Located at the heart of the Estancia Valley just south of Moriarty, Estancia (which means “resting place”) is rich in history and character. Throughout recorded history, Estancia has been a popular stopping point for regional travelers, thanks to its clean, spring-fed lake. The area has been historically associated with agriculture, including cattle ranching and farming. The town has been the county seat since 1905, and was incorporated in 1909. For over two decades in the early part of the 20th century, it was home to the headquarters of the New Mexico Central Railway. Growth during these years was largely responsible for the current physical configuration of the town, which is primarily a grid pattern of smaller residential properties, with commercial development – including restaurants, filling stations, and a variety of other commercial enterprises. The Town of Estancia has made the visual attractiveness of the commercial district and preservation of a small-town atmosphere a high priority.

In many ways, Estancia may be considered the area’s most aggressive community with respect to providing amenities to residents and businesses. The town is served by municipal water and sewer systems, curbside trash removal, and a natural gas utility. Estancia boasts a newly-completed, $1 million public library. Arthur Park, with its lake, provides area residents and visitors with fishing, picnicking, and other recreational opportunities. The town is the first community in the Estancia Valley to build a community recreation center with a swimming pool. Estancia is also home to the Torrance County Fairgrounds and rodeo arena, as well as a baseball park. The town also owns the Estancia Municipal Airport, located just east of the Town of Estancia.

Estancia appeared on maps many years before it was established as a town site. The Santa Fe central railroad opened up the Estancia Valley to home seekers in 1900. A post office was established in September 1903 with H.B. Hawkins as postmaster. A general store took the place of the railroad commissary and many other businesses were soon opened. The Town of Estancia was incorporated on October 4, 1909 at a meeting of the county commissioners. The first term of Estancia's own school began in November of 1903 with Ney B. Gorman as teacher. The first church service held in Estancia was by the Rev. A.P. Morrison, DD of the Methodist Church in October or 1903. The service was held in the old news room with two ladies and forty men present. The town continues to grow and we can anticipate many “firsts” for our valley town.