La Bajada Community Ditch and Mutual Domestic Water Association, Acequia, La Bajada, Santa Fe County, NM

STORED ON SITE. mchr
Significance: La Bajada village with its long lots and adjacent acequia is a typical example of a New Mexican vernacular landscape. The acequia system is perhaps the most significant feature of the village, as all other features exist in relation to it (see Figure 1, Appendix). This agriculture landscape with Spanish Colonial influences dates from 1737, when the Village of La Bajada was first documented by the Franciscan Church. A decline in the acequia system occurred due to a severe drought and the Great Depression. Many residents abandoned the village in the 1940s during World War II as they followed the call to serve their country. The village had a small rebirth in the 1960s when resettlement occured and the acequia system and associated fields were revitalized.
Survey number: HAER NM-18
Building/structure dates: ca. 1737 Initial Construction