Guadalupe County
Photo by Laurence Parent
The Pecos River flows gently through the hills, mesas and rolling grassland of Guadalupe County. Creating a fertile oasis where ever it flows, the Pecos crosses the county from northwest to southeast before flowing into Sumner Lake just south of the Guadalupe-DeBaca county line. The sweet wealth of water in Guadalupe County is a miracle, a blessing to be enjoyed by all who live and travel in this rugged land. And where water is, the people come. Throughout the history of Guadalupe County, from the trails followed by Spanish settlers and Texas cattlemen to the railroads and Route 66, the people followed the path of water.
Guadalupe County was created by the territorial legislature in 1891. The name honors Our Lady of Guadalupe, the vision of the Virgin Mary, who appeared to Juan Diego near Mexico City in 1531.
Fast Facts
County Seat
Communities
- Northeast Guadalupe County: Cuervo and Newkirk
- Northwest Guadalupe County: Colonias, Dilia, Anton Chico and Milagro
- South Guadalupe County: Puerto de Luna, Pastura, Vaughn
Land Area
- Square miles: 2,999
Climate
- Elevation: 4,620 feet
- Mean Temperature in January: 38.9
- Mean Temperature in July: 77.7
- Annual Precipitation: 13.8 inches
County Population
- 2004: 4,530
- 2000: 4,385
- 1998: 4,969
- 1996: 4,195
- 1990: 4,156
Economy
- Average per capita income, 2002: $14,415
- Median household income, 2000: $24,783
Photo by Laurence Parent
Driving Tours around Guadalupe County
Mesaland Scenic Byway
Mesaland Scenic Byway covers 320 miles in loops on a colorful tableland through Guadalupe County, Quay County and a small part of San Miguel County. Scenic beauty, geological anomalies and rich historic lore — all of this and more await the traveler on the Mesaland Scenic Byway.
America's Roadway: Historic Route 66
Many curiosities that made Route 66 intriguing to travelers have fallen victim to interstate highways, but much of the route's character can still be seen in Guadalupe and Quay counties, providing authentic slices of the Mother Road's motels, cafes and gift shops.
