Encino

Statistics

  • Area: 2 square miles
  • Incorporated: 1938
  • Location: Crossroads of US 60 and US 285 and New Mexico State Road 3 in eastern Torrance County
  • Population, 2015: 78

About

Encino began with the three Rs - ranching, railways, and roads. An east-west line of the Burlington Northern and Santa Fe Railway passes through the community.

History

In the 1800's a natural, year-round spring drew travelers on their way to the Territorial Capitol in Santa Fe. A large stone and adobe hacienda provided accommodations for the spring-seekers. Large numbers of sheep and cattle roamed the plains near Encino. One early rancher had 40,000 sheep at one time. Encino got a post office in 1904.

In 1905, the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe Railway built track through the area, and Encino became a water stop. Before long, the town had two newspapers and several thriving businesses, including a mercantile started by Richard C. Dillon, who was New Mexico Governor from 1927 to 1931.

Demographics

Population

Encino Population Graph

More Information

  1. Age Education (PDF)
  2. Commuting (PDF)
  1. Employment Income (PDF)
  2. Housing (PDF)

Government

  • Four councilors, elected for four-year staggered terms
  • Mayor, elected

Utilities

  • Electric: Central New Mexico Electric Cooperative
  • Natural Gas: not available, Liquid gas is available in Vaughn
  • Sewer: Individual on-site systems
  • Solid Waste: Torrance County Solid Waste Authority
  • Source: Ground water
  • Telephone: Eastern New Mexico Rural Telephone Cooperative
  • Water: Town of Vaughn water system

Transportation

  • Highways: U.S. 60, U.S. 285, New Mexico State Road 3
  • Rail: Burlington Northern Santa Fe

Education

  • Kindergarten to 12th grade: Vaughn School District

Amenities

  • Encino's Village Hall, located in an old red-brick school, is the heart of the community. The interior still has the original tin ceiling tiles, hardwood floors, and cast-iron radiators. The gym, with its hardwood floor and stage, serves as a recreation center, and the building also houses a community library.