Anton Chico
Just to the west of Dilia proper is a subvillage called Upper Dilia with water tank and great stone buildings. From Upper Dilia, take a 12-mile detour passed farms, pastures and shady old homes on the Pecos River Valley Loop. The loop goes through the village of Anton Chico. In 1822 Don Salvador Tapia and 16 other colonists built two fortress-like plazas, which are now called Upper Anton Chico and Lower Anton Chico. In the 1870s, Anton Chico was the seat of the one million acre Anton Chico Land Grant and a hangout for many cattlemen, sheepherders and freighters. Visitors today can still identify the frontier fortress, with the high rock walls and thick, heavily carved doors. Notice the two tall spires of the San Jose Church. In 1880 both Pat Garrett and Sallie Chisholm (daughter of Chisholm Trail founder) got married in this church. Abercrombie's Store, which dates from the 1870s, is near the church.
In 1841 the Texas-Santa Fe Expedition passed through Anton Chico on its way to take control of the eastern drainage of the Rio Grande for the Republic of Texas. But they didn't get far before they were overpowered by a group of very serious New Mexicans and sent along back home to Texas.
Anton Chico Public School
P.O. Box 169
Anton Chico, NM 87711
505-427-6038 or 505-427-4177
