Harding County, New Mexico is located in the northeastern portion of the state and is bordered by Union and Colfax Counties to the north, Quay County to the east, San Miguel County to the south, and Mora County to the west. The county covers an area of 1,897 square miles with a population of 648 as of 2019.
According to psyknowhow.com, the county was established in 1921 and is named for President Warren G. Harding who had died earlier that year. The county seat is Mosquero and other small towns include Roy, Mills, Nara Visa, and Kennedy.
Harding county has a rich history that dates back to pre-Columbian times when it was populated by several Native American tribes such as the Apache, Comanche, Kiowa-Apache, Navajo, Ute-Paiute, Southern Cheyenne-Arapaho Tribes. The area also served as a trade route between Santa Fe and Taos during this time period.
Today, there are several attractions in Harding County including Dinosaur National Monument which features over 800 fossilized dinosaur bones from various species including Allosaurus fragilis and Camarasaurus supremus. There’s also Fort Union National Monument which preserves ruins from an old fort that served as a major supply depot on the Santa Fe Trail in addition to providing protection for travelers during conflicts between Native Americans and settlers.
In addition to these historical sites there’s also plenty of outdoor recreation such as hunting, fishing, camping at Clayton Lake State Park or boating on Conchas Lake State Park which also has sandy beaches for swimming. Other attractions include golf courses at Black Mesa Golf Club or Tucumcari Municipal Golf Course as well as rock climbing at Capulin Volcano National Monument or White Sands National Monument which consists of white sand dunes perfect for sand sledding or photography opportunities.
Harding County has also been home to some notable people over its history such as actor Dennis Weaver who lived in Roy before he became famous and astronaut William F. Readdy who grew up in Nara Visa before joining NASA’s astronaut corps in 1985.
In conclusion, Harding County is an interesting destination with plenty of natural beauty along with historical sites that will keep visitors entertained for days on end.
Climate and weather in Harding County, New Mexico
According to andyeducation.com, Harding County, New Mexico has an arid climate with hot summers and cold winters. The average temperature in the summer is around 87 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius) with temperatures reaching up to 100 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). In the winter, temperatures average around 34 degrees Fahrenheit (1 degree Celsius) but can drop to below 0 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 degrees Celsius). The county also receives very little rainfall throughout the year, averaging around 11 inches (279mm) annually.
The area experiences strong winds from the southwest that often bring dust storms during the summer months. Thunderstorms are rare but can occur between May and August and typically bring heavy rain and hail. Snowfall is also rare but can occur between December and March when temperatures are low enough for snow to accumulate on the ground.
Harding County is located in a semi-arid region so it can be very dry at times. This lack of moisture combined with high temperatures in the summer months often leads to drought conditions and high levels of air pollution due to dust particles in the air.
Although Harding County doesn’t get much rain, it does experience some precipitation throughout the year in the form of snow or hail that usually melts quickly due to its arid climate. The county also experiences lots of sunshine throughout the year making it a great place for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, or fishing.
Harding County has an arid climate with hot summers and cold winters that experience very little precipitation throughout the year. Despite this, there is still plenty of sunshine which makes it a great place for outdoor activities and recreation.
Transportation in Harding County, New Mexico
Harding County, New Mexico has limited public transportation available. The major highway that runs through the county is US Highway 70, which connects Roswell to Clovis and several other towns in the area. There are also a number of state highways and county roads that connect the various towns and cities in the county.
The most common form of transportation within the county is by car or truck. Due to its rural nature, public transportation such as buses or trains are not available. However, there are taxi services available from some of the larger towns and cities in the area such as Roswell and Clovis.
For those who wish to travel outside of Harding County, there are a number of airports located nearby including Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), El Paso International Airport (ELP) and Roswell International Air Center (ROW). These airports offer domestic and international flights for those looking to travel further afield.
There is also an Amtrak train service called ‘The Southwest Chief’ that runs through Harding County on its way between Los Angeles and Chicago. This service offers passengers comfortable seating on board with access to dining cars, lounge cars, sleeping cars and even business-class tickets for those who wish to travel in style.
Harding County has limited public transportation options but there are still many ways to get around within the county as well as outside of it for those who wish to explore further afield. Whether you choose to drive yourself or take advantage of one of the nearby airports or train services, getting around Harding County is relatively easy.
Cities and towns in Harding County, New Mexico
Harding County, New Mexico is home to several cities and towns, each with its own unique history and culture. The largest city in the county is Roswell, which is known for its UFO sightings and alien-themed attractions. This city has a population of around 50,000 people and is home to many museums, art galleries and shops.
According to Countryaah, Clovis is the second largest city in Harding County with a population of around 37,000 people. This city was originally founded in 1891 as a freight stop on the Santa Fe Railway and still maintains much of its original charm. Clovis has plenty of restaurants, shopping centers and entertainment venues for visitors to explore.
The town of Portales is located just east of Clovis and has a population of around 12,000 people. This town was originally established as an agricultural center but now serves as the main retail hub for the region. It also has several historic sites including the Portales Museum which showcases artifacts from early settlers in the area.
The small town of Elida is located along US Highway 70 and has a population of around 600 people. This town was founded in 1896 as a trading post on the Santa Fe Trail but now serves primarily as a bedroom community for commuters working in Roswell or Clovis.
Finally, there are several smaller towns scattered throughout Harding County such as Dalhart, Causey and Mosquero each with their own unique histories that add to the charm of this rural county.
Harding County has many cities and towns that offer something for everyone whether they are looking for outdoor activities or historical attractions or simply want to experience small-town life at its best.