Tierra Amarilla, County seat in Rio Arriba County, New Mexico.
Tierra Amarilla is the county seat of Rio Arriba County located in the high valleys of northern New Mexico. The community sits at about 2,300 meters elevation and consists of a small cluster of residential buildings typical of rural settlements in the region.
The Mexican government granted land to Manuel Martinez and settlers from Abiquiu in 1832, marking the establishment of the community. In the following generations, these land rights became contested, leading to complex ownership questions that persisted into modern times.
The name refers to yellow clay deposits found in the Chama River Valley, a natural feature that shaped how people understood the landscape. This geographical characteristic became part of the community's identity over time.
The small community operates under Mountain Time and sits in a mountain valley best explored during warmer months. Visitors should note that the area is sparsely populated and local services may be limited.
The courthouse built in 1917 became the site of an armed raid in 1967 when activists occupied the building to protest land rights. This event brought national attention to the long-standing land disputes affecting the Hispanic population in the region.
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