The history of the Sangre de Cristo land grant is a complex tapestry. Each person has their own thread, and each story its own color. Together they weave an intricate and beautiful, yet unfinished piece of art. In some ways, it is impossible to look at this grant and start at the beginning and go to the end - neither truly exist. Before the beginning, was another beginning, and the end has yet to come for most people involved with the land. For the Colorado side of the grant, lawsuits are still being decided; one decision was handed down during the creation of this exhibit.

On the New Mexico side, families, through the RCCLA, now have ownership rights to portions of the original grant land - a monumental achievement.

For some families, the story is one of loss. Many families had to leave the land their ancestors worked so hard to hold. Some were forced out by court decrees, some had to move on for work. But they are still remembered, and their story lives on with the land.

Got a story about the Sangre De Cristo Land Grant? Visit the forums at NewMexicoHistory.org and share your story or ask your questions. »

Want to learn more? Visit NewMexicoHistory.org and dig deeper into the complex and fascinating stories of the land grants in New Mexico. »

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