Historical Marker
La Joya de Sevilleta
La Joya, Socorro County · New Mexico
The Piro town Oñate renamed Nueva Sevilla in 1598 was Tzelaqui, or Seelocú. Franciscans made it the mission of San Luis Obispo de Sevilleta, and in 1680 most of its people left south with Governor Otermín's retreat; by 1681 it stood empty. Sixty-seven families settled here about 1810 and received a community grant in 1819. In 1928 Thomas Campbell bought the grant land for $76,750, the only bidder, and in 1973 his family's foundation passed it through The Nature Conservancy to become the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge, mostly closed to visitors.
What the plaque says
Official Scenic Historic Marker La Joya de Sevilleta Present-day La Joya is located near the site of an ancient Piro Indian Pueblo that the Spanish named Nueva Sevilla, or Sevilleta. During the eighteenth century, this was the southernmost settlement along the Camino Real before travelers entered the despoblado, or uninhabited area, between here and El Paso del Norte. Every fall, caravans assembled here in preparation for this portion of the journey.
Where it stands
34.34467, -106.84409 · Directions
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