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Mountainair, New Mexico, nestled in the Manzano Mountains, boasts a rich history as the "Pinto Bean Capital of the World," built on railroad prosperity and farming, with food heritage deeply rooted in Native Pueblo staples (corn, beans, squash) and later Spanish influences, all shaped by its unique high-desert air and culture, featuring historic sites like the Shaffer Hotel and the Salinas Pueblo Missions, offering a unique blend of art, history, and regional flavors.
History & Heritage
Railroad & Beans: Founded in 1903 with the Belen Cutoff railroad, Mountainair became a booming farming hub, famous for its pinto bean production that fed the nation, especially during WWII.
Ancient Roots: The area surrounds the Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument (Abó, Quarai, Gran Quivira), showing deep Ancestral Puebloan and Spanish colonial history.
Folk Art & Culture: The unique "Pueblo Deco" Shaffer Hotel, built by Pop Shaffer, showcases quirky folk art and reflects the town's resilience through economic shifts, attracting artists today.
Food & Mountain Air
Pinto Beans: The defining food, representing the region's agricultural backbone.
Native Influence: The "Three Sisters" (corn, beans, squash) are foundational, alongside chili peppers, central to New Mexican cuisine.
New Mexican Flavor: A blend of Native, Spanish, and Mexican traditions, featuring red and green chiles, creating dishes like enchiladas, tamales, and posole.
Local Bounty: Beyond beans, local food highlights include pecans, honey, and fresh produce from farmers' markets, all infused with the high-desert air.
Key Places
Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument: Explore ancient Pueblo sites and Spanish missions.
Shaffer Hotel: A historic landmark and cultural center with art galleries and dining.
Local Markets & Galleries: Experience contemporary art and local produce.
Mountainair offers a tangible connection to New Mexico's diverse past, where the air carries the scent of history, art, and the enduring flavors of its unique culinary heritage.