Watrous

Watrous is a historic district in Mora County, New Mexico, located at the junction of the Mora and Sapello Rivers. The area contains about 21 preserved structures from the 1800s, including ranch buildings, small cemeteries, and remains of Fort Union's horse corral.

The settlement developed at a critical crossing of the Mountain Branch and Cimarron Cutoff routes of the Santa Fe Trail, which served westbound travelers from 1821 to 1870. Samuel Watrous, a Vermont merchant, arrived in 1835 and built the place into a supply center for migrants and the nearby military fort.

The Koenig House built in the 1860s displays the territorial architectural style with adobe walls and wooden elements. The structures show how local builders adapted their techniques to the landscape and available materials.

The site is spread across open terrain with structures located along dirt roads and paths. Check ahead about current access conditions and whether guided tours are available to make the most of your visit.

The site was strategically positioned where two major trade routes met, allowing merchants to supply thousands of westbound travelers passing through. This location turned it into a thriving commerce hub until the arrival of the railroad shifted travel patterns.