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By Roger McKasson
In the southwest corner of New Mexico situated in the San Simon Valley, between the picturesque Chiricahua and Pelencillo Mountain Ranges, is found the small town of Rodeo, New Mexico. This quaint little town is on the old historic Highway 80 that was the first highway in the nation to run coast to coast. Aside from being one the last small towns in the southwest along old highway 80 that is still close to the way it was when the highway was first constructed, Rodeo has a history that dates back to the early Native American Cultures that pre-dated the arrival of Apaches around 1,400 A.D. Recent archaeological studies are also pointing to the fact that Early Spanish Explorers lead by Coronado may vary well have passed through Rodeo as they made their way up from Mexico into New Mexico. This Spanish influence is still evident in Rodeo today with many Rodeo Families who can trace their ancestry back to the Spanish rule in the 1800s.
Founded in 1902, Rodeo started as community of ranching and farming which grew in part because to the railroad system that ran from Arizona mining towns like Tombstone, Bisbee, and Douglas to where it passed through the Hidalgo County towns of Rodeo, Animas, Hachita, and onto Columbus and finally El Paso, Texas. During the time of the mining and railroad Rodeo was considered to be a Boomtown and was one of the main railroad shipping terminals for cattle from this area. With the decline in mining and the eventual closing of the railroad in the area Rodeo declined rapidly and in many ways became nearly a ghost town by the early 1960s. Rodeo was to remain that way for the next thirty plus years with ranching and farming remaining as the main reason for living in the area.
In the mid-1990s Rodeo was again to be discovered but not by miners or those interested in ranching or farming but by people tired of the hustle of city life and a yearning to escape to an quieter slower paced lifestyle. With its 4,125 foot elevation and southern latitude coupled with clean deep blue skies and dark starry nights Rodeo was and is today being once again discovered by those who look for these qualities. These people are your Artist, Writers, Astronomers, Naturalist, and Ordinary People seeking this environment and lifestyle. Rodeo has now become the perfect compliment for its Arizona neighboring town in the valley, Portal. Both areas are known world wide not only for their scenic beauty of its two mountain ranges but for the diverse wildlife populations that can be found in the area. This is especially true when it comes to the number of bird species to be found in the area which has made the area one of the top birding locations in North America.
Today Rodeo is fast becoming one of the fastest growing art communities in New Mexico and the southwest. Presently there are three galleries that are open on a regular basis, the Chiricahua Gallery, Roger McKasson Studio-Gallery, and the Rock Shop. A fourth called The Gallery is not yet open on a regular basis and other galleries are surely coming as more artist continue to move into Rodeo and the surrounding area.
The Chiricahua Gallery is a co-op gallery of local artists and crafts people. This is Rodeo's oldest gallery and feature paintings ceramics, woodcarving and craft items by local and regional artists and crafts people. They are located on Highway 80.
The Roger McKasson Studio-Gallery is the working studio of Nationally Advertised Artist, Roger McKasson. A Fine Art Painter and Bronze Sculptor whose works have been featured in Palm Desert, Los Angeles, and Pacific Palisades Galleries. His works have been advertised in Palm Springs Life, Art Gallery International, Southwest Art, Art Life Arizona, American Art Review, New Mexico Traveler magazines and the Bootheel Magazine as well as numerous newspaper articles in Malibu and Hidalgo County. Besides showing in his own studio gallery in Rodeo his works are also represented in art community of Tubac, Arizona by the Metz Gallery. A Special Edition of his bronze sculpture titled, SPIRIT WOMAN was presented to New Mexico Governor, Bill Richardson in 2003 by the artist and Hidalgo County Chamber of Commerce. Located on Custie Avenue across from the U.S. Post Office.
The Rock Shop features and assortment of paintings by local artist as well as local crafts and an assortment of quality gem and rock specimens. Located on Highway 80 at the south end of town. Along with the galleries in Rodeo are two fine restaurants the Rodeo Grocery & Café open for breakfast and lunch and the Rodeo Tavern which is open Wednesday through Saturdays for Dinner only. Best steaks in the area on Friday and Saturday nights.
Rodeo also had three RV Parks for the traveler. Two in the town itself the Rodeo RV Park & Country Store and Mountain Valley Lodge. North of Rodeo about 6 miles is the newest RV resort, Caballos de las Estrellas. Here you will find large pull through RV spaces and a first rate Equestrian Center with riding arenas and stables. They are in adding a new Day Spa and have retail lots available for lease. All located along Highway 80.
With its mild year round climate, scenic mountains and valley, Rodeo is continuing to attract visitors and newcomers. Come visit Rodeo and breathe the clean air and meet the friendly people who live in this part of New Mexico.
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