What Tucumcari is known for

The Tucumcari Destination is located in the state of New Mexico, specifically in the northeastern corner along the state’s border with Colorado and Texas. Various cities can be found in the region, namely Springer, Melrose, Hayden, Cimarron, Des Moines, and Tucumcari, the namesake of the destination. Tucumcari, New Mexico, owes its name to its origins rooted in the Comanche culture. Specifically, the name is derived from the Comanche term "tukanukaru," meaning "to lie in wait for something to approach." During the mid-19th century, the area's flat-topped peak played a role as a lookout point for Comanche raiders, who concealed themselves while waiting to pounce on unsuspecting cowboys herding cattle along the well-traveled Chisolm and Comanchero Trails.[1]

Tucumcari, New Mexico, situated in Quay County, has a population of 5,118 people as of 2023, making it the 35th largest city in the state and the 4,740th largest in the United States. However, the city is experiencing a population decline at an annual rate of -0.85%. Notably, there has been a decrease -2.55% decrease since the 2020 census, which reported 5,252 people living within the borders of the city. Spanning over 10 miles, Tucumcari has a population density of 538 people per square mile. The city's racial composition includes 72.64% White, 13.05% other races, 8.48% two or more races, 2.42% Native American, 1.38% Asian, 1.07% Black or African American, and 0.96% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander.[2]

Another city in the destination is Fort Sumner, located just below Lake Sumner, specifically in De Baca County, New Mexico, which serves as a village and the county seat. As of the 2010 U.S. Census, the population stood at 1,031 people, a decrease from the 1,249 residents recorded in 2000. The village hosts the Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility during the spring and fall seasons. Moreover, Fort Sumner holds historical significance as the burial site of a relatively well-known outlaw, Billy the Kid, who met his demise there in 1881.[3]

Tucumcari, New Mexico, is a city along Interstate 40, known for its historic buildings, architecture, and neon signs, making it a fairly popular stop for travelers on Route 66. Visitors can explore the city's heritage through museums and the Tucumcari Mural Tour, showcasing over 40 murals depicting the area's history. The Mesalands Dinosaur Museum offers real fossil displays and life-sized bronze dinosaur sculptures. Tucumcari Ranch Supply provides locally-made products, including Watson's BBQ. The Tucumcari Historical Museum offers a wide range of artifacts, and Bishop's Handmade Boots sells custom-made cowboy boots and special gifts.[4]

Geography

Colorado and Texas border a relatively large portion of the Tucumcari Destination, with Oklahoma also bordering a fairly smaller part of the region. The area is situated primarily in the state of New Mexico, in its northeastern corner. Multiple cities can be found in the area, including Mosquero, Capulin, San Jon, Melrose, Fort Sumner, and Tucumcari.

Tucumcari, New Mexico, experiences a climate characterized by hot summers and short, cold, snowy, and windy winters. The weather remains mostly clear throughout the year. Temperature variations are fairly noticeable, with average lows ranging from 26°F to average highs reaching 94°F. Rarely does the temperature drop below 14°F or go above 102°F. For warm-weather activities, the optimal time to visit Tucumcari is from mid-May to late September.[5]

Conchas Lake is a 25-mile reservoir in northeastern New Mexico, formed by Conchas Dam on the Canadian River. Spanning 9,600 acres with an elevation of 4,200 feet, it offers diverse recreational opportunities. The adjacent Conchas Lake State Park has separate north and south areas with nine boat ramps for relatively easy lake access. The lake is home to various fish species, including walleye, bass, catfish, and crappie.[6]

Lake Sumner is another lake in the region situated in northern De Baca County. The lake itself is a reservoir formed by Sumner Dam on the Pecos River. Embracing the lake's surroundings is the Lake Sumner Community, spanning 68.5 square miles, with 62.2 square miles of land and 6.3 square miles of water. Sumner Lake State Park occupies both the east and west sides of the lake's southern end, near the outlet. U.S. Route 84 serves as the northeastern boundary of the community, leading southeast to Fort Sumner, the county seat, and northwest to Santa Rosa. In terms of climate, Lake Sumner experiences a cold semi-arid climate, categorized as "BSk" on climate maps according to the Köppen Climate Classification system. The area's temperature range varies, with the highest recorded at 112°F on June 12, 2022, and the lowest at −24°F on January 13, 1963.[7] 

History

The history of Tucumcari, New Mexico, dates back to 1901 when it began as a tent city along the Chicago, Rock Island, and Union Pacific Railroad, initially known as "Ragtown" and later as "Six Shooter Siding." As the railroad transformed the camp into a division point in 1908, the settlement was officially named Tucumcari, inspired by the nearby mountain. By 1910, the city had developed into a railroad center with essential facilities like a roundhouse, depot, and water tower, as well as over 60 businesses. Among the first businesses to open in 1902 were the Barnes and Rankin furniture store, A. B. Simpson Hardware, A. A. Blankenship's livery barn, a hotel, and the Monarch Saloon. Boarding house operations were established by Mr. and Mrs. Turner at First and Turner. Additionally, businesses like the Gross Kelly Company from Las Vegas, which dealt in general merchandise, and M. B. Goldenberg's Mercantile Company contributed to the town's growth. Max Goldenberg's home, the first permanent residence in Tucumcari, also served as the location for the post office. Over the years, the city evolved from a railroad camp to a community with a diverse range of businesses and amenities, solidifying its place in New Mexico's history.[1]

Springer, New Mexico, has a history that traces back to 1877 when William T. Thornton, representing the Maxwell Land Grant and Railway Company, enlisted Melvin Whitson Mills to establish a townsite not exceeding 320 acres. Judge Mills chose a location along the Cimarron River called Las Garzas, where he laid out the town and graded the streets. The Maxwell Land Grant and Railway Company conveyed the deed to Mills on March 31, 1880, bequeathing the town the name Maxwell. However, by 1883, according to the deed for the Mills Mansion, the town was officially named Springer. Springer became the county seat of Colfax County from 1882 to 1897 and retained its former courthouse as a museum. The town's location was chosen in anticipation of the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway's arrival, as it was positioned halfway between the Mountain Branch and Cimarron Cutoff of the Santa Fe Trail. The area later became home to the Springer Correctional Center, operated by the New Mexico Corrections Department, which stands 2 miles northwest of Springer. This facility's history started in 1909 as the New Mexico Boys' School and now serves as one of the state's oldest detention centers.[9]