Rancho de Chimayó ~ History
The Chimayó valley is a verdant oasis extending form the foothills of the majestic Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the expanse of the Rio Grande valley. It is a fertile area where three streams meet and traverse its entire distance. The valley’s charms have attracted people both in prehistoric and historic times. Native Americans inhabited the piñon covered hills and chamisa strewn valley floor. The name Chimayó itself is from the Tewá Indian language meaning superior red flaking stone. The Cañada de Chamayó, as it is known in the early records, became increasingly settled by the Spanish after 1692. The Spanish Crown encouraged colonist from New Spann (Mexico) to move north and the Chimayó valley was one of the places they settled. In 1693, Jose Jaramillo Negrete and his wife Maria de Sotomayor of Mexico City came to New Mexico as colonist. Their son, Roque came as a soldier at the same time. Soon the many sons and daughters of Roque Jaramillo and his wife Petona de Cardenas spread through out northern New Mexico. Manuel Jaramillo, a son of Roque’s acquired property in the upper Cañada de Chimayó in the early 1700’s. In the 1800’s, two brothers, Manuel Jaramillo’s great grandsons, Hermengildo and Epifanio assisted each other in building their family homes.
In October 1965, the home of Hermenengildo and Trindad Jaramillo became restaurant de Chimayó. Arturo, Hermenegildo’s grandson and his wife Florence has an idealistic vision in their plans for the house and land. Their restaurant would preserve the rich traditions of their family and its proud culture. The setting is comfortable and romantic. Fireplaces radiate warmth into cozy rooms and family photographs hang on the white washed adobe walls. The lovely terraced patio beckons you to exquisite outdoor dining.
In August 1984 the Jaramillo family completed restoration of Hacienda Rancho de Chimayó, Epifanio and Adelaida Jaramillo’s original homes. Their home has been lovingly renovated into seven guest rooms. Each room opens into an enclosed courtyard and within each room on finds the century antiques, a private bath, a quiet sitting area and fireplace.
In October 2005, the restaurant celebrated their 40th anniversary as thriving, world-renowned restaurant in Northern New Mexico.
Most recently, in July 2008 Rancho de Chimayó endured a fire, which did damage the kitchen among other areas. After more then a year, the restaurant has been respectfully restored with upgraded improvements, preserving the original adobe walls, structure and many of its authentic features. Rancho de Chimayó us a treasured part of New Mexico’s heritage and history and will always remain…a timeless tradition.
Just Go!
that’s it!
Enjoy!
