Rio Arriba County, New Mexico

Rio Arriba County is a county located in the U.S. state of New Mexico. As of the 2010 census, the population was 40,246. Its county seat is Tierra Amarilla. Its northern border is the Colorado state line.

Rio Arriba County comprises the Española, NM Micropolitan Statistical Area, which is also included in the Albuquerque-Santa Fe-Las Vegas, NM Combined Statistical Area.

History

The county was one of nine originally created for the Territory of New Mexico in 1852. Originally extending west to the California line, it included the site of present day Las Vegas, Nevada. The county seat was initially sited at San Pedro de Chamita, and shortly afterwards at Los Luceros. In 1860 the seat was moved to Plaza del Alcalde. Since 1880 Tierra Amarilla has been the county seat.

The Battle of Embudo Pass took place in the southern part of the county during the American invasion in January 1847.

Geography

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the county has a total area of 5,896 square miles (15,270 km²), of which 5,861 square miles (15,180 km²) is land and 35 square miles (91 km²) (0.6%) is water. It is the fifth-largest county in New Mexico by area. The highest point in the county is the summit of Truchas Peak at 13,102 feet (3,993 m).