Grants New Mexico Tourism

Grants’ history began in 1872 when Don Jesus Blea homesteaded on the south side of San Jose Creek.  The area had several stately cottonwood trees near the flowing stream and was appropriately named Los Alamitos – The Cottonwoods. 

In 1880, the Grant Brothers, Angus A., Lewis A. and John R., had contracted with the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad to build the railroad.  Camps were established to continue the grading work to the west.  This area became known as Grant’s Camp, later called Grants Station and eventually shortened to Grants.

Grants began to grow.  Hotels, cafes, general merchandise stores, saloons, dance halls and homes were added to the community.  In 1929, the telephone arrived and Marvel Prestridge became the operator.  With the opening of the Lux Theater, the movies came to Grants. 

Grants is nestled in the heart of some of the most spectacular lava flows in the world.  On December 31, 1987, President Ronald Reagan signed a bill designating a large area south of Grants as “El Malpais National Monument.”

Greater Roadrunner, New Mexico

Grants New Mexico Tourism

Grants’ history began in 1872 when Don Jesus Blea homesteaded on the south side of San Jose Creek. The area had several stately cottonwood trees near the flowing stream and was appropriately named Los Alamitos – The Cottonwoods.

Grants’ history began in 1872 when Don Jesus Blea homesteaded on the south side of San Jose Creek.  The area had several stately cottonwood trees near the flowing stream and was appropriately named Los Alamitos – The Cottonwoods. 