Ruidoso, New Mexico is a popular resort community for those who love the snow and for those who love the mountains year-round.

Ruidoso, NM History

The Spaniards were the first to discover the Ruidoso Valley, followed by the Mescalero Apache. Captain Henry Stanton came to Ruidoso country in January 1855 with orders were to join forces with Captain R. E. Ewell on an expedition to find the bands of Apaches that stole some 2,500 sheep. Captain Stanton was killed during his mission, which lead to the establishment of Fort Stanton in 1855. This Fort was integral to settling the Ruidoso Valley by providing protection and enforcing law and order.

A major settler to the area was Paul Dowlin, a Civil War veteran. He was a retired member of the New Mexico Volunteers. Like many other veterans of the Civil War, he received a homestead of 160 acres after leaving the NMV. He acquired another 600 acres through a land purchase grant. This land encompassed much of where the town of Ruidoso lies today. The town was named after a small stream in the vicinity, the Rio Ruidoso, which is Spanish for “noisy” river.

Ruidoso, New Mexico – Year-Round Vacation Resort Community

Ruidoso, NM today is a rapidly growing resort community. As part of the Lincoln National Forest, it has alpine scenery, the Ruidoso Downs racetrack and ski slopes. The Mescalero Apache Tribe owns Ski Apache, the local ski complex. The Tribe also operates a casino, hotel and golf course within the area.