Otowi Historic District

The Otowi Historic District is a small settlement in Santa Fe County located near the Rio Grande. The site contains several original buildings and structures that reflect its origins as a railroad community.

The area began in 1886 as a railroad stop along the narrow-gauge Santa Fe Branch line. The settlement grew as a supply point and rest station for train traffic through this remote part of New Mexico.

The name comes from a nearby Pueblo archaeological site, linking railroad heritage to indigenous roots in the region. This connection remains visible in how the buildings relate to the surrounding landscape and local history.

The district is accessible via New Mexico State Road 502 in a rural setting with few nearby services. Visitors should plan to explore the site on foot and bring water, especially during warmer months.

Edith Warner ran a tearoom at the site during the 1940s that became a secret gathering spot for Manhattan Project scientists. Her collection of Pueblo pottery and warm hospitality made it an unexpected cultural hub amid the wartime activities.

Location: New Mexico

GPS coordinates: 35.87470,-106.14200

Latest update: December 13, 2025 11:45