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Historical Folsom

A small village nestled in a valley of the Dry CImarron River, Folsom has an elevation of 6,400 feet, and was originally in Colfax County.

Colfax County extended east to the Oklahoma line until February 23, 1893. On this date, Union County was formed by combining the eastern portions of Colfax, Mora and San Miguel counties into one county, with Clayton as the county seat.

Folsom was named for Frances Folsom, who became the young bride of President Grover Cleveland.

In 1914, Folsom became an incorporated village, with a mayor and board of trustees to govern the area. From 1958 to 1965, the village had the distinction of having a woman mayor, clerk, and an all woman council. Through hard work, they managed to obtain some badly needed paved roads for Folsom.

This area of New Mexico is very scenic and beautiful with a contrast of rocky, tree covered mountains, rolling hills and grassy plains. The native trees are mostly pinon, cedar and pine. Much of our area is covered with scrub oak, which provides protection to cattle in summer and winter, and is a food source for smaller animals.

In Fall, after the first frost, leaves turn various shades of red and are a beautiful sight. WIld chokecherry trees and plum trees grow in some areas and provide residents with delicious jelly if they put forth the effort to harvest the fruit.

The Yucca plant, our state flower, is very prevalent and we have various varities of cacti. Many beautiful wildflowers, such as Indian Paintbrush and Wild Lilies, grow in pastures and along roadsides.

The people of our area are mainly descendants of pioneers who came to settle this country. This area was first inhabited by Native Americans and then by Spanish sheepherders who brought their sheep to graze from the area around Taos. There are fewer Spanish families here today; the advent of modern machinery has meant ranching doesn't require as many workers as it has in the past.

WIldlife abounds, with an abundance of Mule Deer, numerous Elk and Wild Turkey in the mountainous areas. Pronghorn Antelope roam much of the plains area. Not so common are Mountain Lion, Bob Cat, Lynx and Black Bear. Black Bear are found in colors ranging from white with red points to cinnamon to black. COyote, squirrel and rabbit are found here. Many species of bird are prevalent to this area. There are Mountain Quail, Road Runner (New Mexico's State Bird), Meadowlark, Robin, Hawk, Gray-breasted Jay, Vulture, Golden and Bald Eagle, Hooded Oriole, Owl, Western Bluebird, Elegant Trogon, Vermillion Flycatcher, and Rufous-sided Towhee - to name a few. Snake species include the Bull Snake, Red Racer, Rattlesnake, and others found in the rocky terrain of lower elevations.