Considering a census-designated place, Agua Fria in Santa Fe has a story that whispers from the earth itself. Agua Fria means cold water in Spanish. Its history stretches back thousands of years.
Native Americans thrived here as early as 7000 BCE. The water availability and milder temperatures attracted them. Imagine them building their lives here so long ago. The Spanish arrived much later. Juan de Oñate’s expedition passed through in 1598. They were on their way to establishing San Gabriel. It became the first capital of New Mexico.
A permanent settlement began around 1640. The grandparents of Major Roque Madrid were the first settlers. Francisco de Madrid may have left an expedition to farm here. He is also the namesake of Madrid, New Mexico.
The settlements expanded. They were first called Ranchitos. As the population grew, they became Placitas. The area near the church was known as La Placita de Los Romeros. Another area was La Placita de Los Lopez. This was near the Tanque watering hole. Eventually, Agua Fria became a village.
In 1776, Fray Francisco Atanasio Dominguez counted 57 families. That was 297 people in Agua Fria. At that time, it was still known as Pueblo Quemado. This means burnt town.
Colonel John M. Washington’s U.S. Army expedition passed through in 1849. This was the first known American reference to Agua Fria. Before that, the area was under the Diocese of Durango, Mexico.
The people of Agua Fria had strong faith. It was hard for them to attend church regularly. So, they founded their own mission in the village in 1835.
Agua Fria has a strong attachment to the land. The cultural continuity goes back many generations. In 1995, Santa Fe County designated Agua Fria as a Traditional Historic Community.
The village church is dedicated to San Isidro. He is the patron saint of farmers. Built around 1835, San Isidro stands at the heart of Agua Fria.
The traditional boundaries of Agua Fria extended far. Today, they are smaller. They are marked roughly by Siler Road, Lopez Lane, Jemez Road, Rufina Street, and State Road 599.
Agua Fria remains a testament to the enduring spirit of community. It embraces its rich past. It is a place where the echoes of ancestors mingle. They mingle with the rhythms of modern life. The cold water continues to nourish. It nourishes both the land and the souls of its people.