According to howsmb.com, De Baca County is located in the eastern part of New Mexico, bordered by Chaves, Roosevelt, and Curry Counties. It covers an area of 1,722 square miles and has a population of 2,019 people according to the 2020 US Census. The county seat is Fort Sumner and the largest city is Grady.
De Baca County was formed in 1917 from parts of Chaves and Roosevelt counties. It is named after Miguel Antonio Otero de Baca, a prominent politician who served as a delegate to Congress from New Mexico Territory from 1883-1891.
The main attractions in De Baca County are its numerous outdoor recreational opportunities such as fishing, hunting, camping, hiking and bird watching at sites like Bluewater Lake State Park and Sumner Lake State Park. The county also houses several historic sites such as the Billy the Kid Museum in Fort Sumner and the Old Lincoln County Courthouse in Carrizozo.
Notable people from De Baca County include singer-songwriter Shooter Jennings; country music singers Waylon Jennings (Shooter’s father) and Tex Ritter; former governor Toney Anaya; football players Bobby Dillon and Steve Smith; actor Tom Laughlin; poet Robert Frost; professional golfer Craig Barlow; artist Peter Hurd; astronaut Richard Gordon Jr.; scientist Marie Curie; architect Frank Lloyd Wright; writer Stephen King; and former president William Howard Taft.
De Baca County is a rural area with plenty of natural beauty to explore while also boasting some well-known residents who have made their mark on history.
Climate and weather in De Baca County, New Mexico
According to iamaccepted.com, De Baca County is located in the eastern part of New Mexico, and its climate is semi-arid with hot summers and cool winters. The average high temperature during the summer months ranges from 86 to 93 degrees Fahrenheit (30 to 34 degrees Celsius), while the average low temperature during winter months ranges from 20 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit (-6 to -1 degree Celsius). The county receives an average of 13 inches of rain per year, with most of it falling between May and September.
The weather in De Baca County can be unpredictable at times. During the summer months, thunderstorms are common, with occasional hail and strong winds. Winters can bring snowfall, though it is usually light. Spring and fall are generally mild but windy seasons in De Baca County.
The climate in De Baca County is generally pleasant throughout the year, with warm temperatures during summer months and cooler temperatures during winter months. The county experiences all four seasons throughout the year, making it a great place for people who enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking or camping.
Transportation in De Baca County, New Mexico
De Baca County, New Mexico is a rural area with limited public transportation options. The main form of transportation in the county is personal vehicles. Although there are no public buses, there are several taxi and ride-share services available for those who need to get around the county. For those without access to a car, the only other option is to use bicycles or walk. The roads in De Baca County are generally well-maintained and safe for biking and walking. There are also some trails throughout the county that can be used by bicyclists and pedestrians alike. For those traveling outside of De Baca County, there is an airport in nearby Roswell that offers flights to other parts of New Mexico as well as some cities in Texas and Arizona. Additionally, there is a train station located in Fort Sumner that provides service to other parts of the state. De Baca County offers a few limited transportation options for its residents but most rely on personal vehicles as their main method of getting around the area.
Cities and towns in De Baca County, New Mexico
According to Countryaah, De Baca County, New Mexico is a rural area with four cities and towns located within its borders. The county seat of the county is the city of Fort Sumner, which has a population of 2,500 people. This city is home to several local businesses, including restaurants, bars, and stores. Fort Sumner also has a train station that provides service to other parts of the state. The next largest city in De Baca County is Santa Rosa with a population of 1,800 people. This city offers a variety of amenities such as restaurants, bars, stores and other services. Additionally, Santa Rosa is home to several churches and schools as well as an airport for small planes. Moving further south in the county is the town of Melrose with a population of 1,100 people. This town boasts a variety of recreational activities such as camping and fishing at nearby Ute Lake State Park as well as golfing at the local golf course. Lastly, is Lake Arthur which has a population of 400 people and is known for its small-town charm and beautiful views overlooking Ute Lake State Park.
De Baca County offers both big-city amenities in Fort Sumner and Santa Rosa as well as small-town charm in Melrose and Lake Arthur for those looking for slower paced living options. With its variety of businesses, recreational activities and stunning views it’s no wonder that so many choose to call this rural area their home.