In 1949, the State of New Mexico was a very different place than the New Mexico of today.  Admitted to the Unites States just 37 years before, New Mexico was still a land of mystery and intrigue. 

Considered too primitive by most East Coast real estate investors, only a hardy few landowners had the vision to hew a paradise out of the New Mexico wilderness.

Pioneers?  Yes, in a way – certainly men and women of extraordinary prescience and wisdom.  In 1937, Route 66 was finally paved end to end, opening up New Mexico, the ‘Land of Enhcantment’ to relatively affluent travelers.  In 1946, after Nat King Cole recorded the hit single “Get Your Kicks on Route 66”, these newly mobile Americans started to take more notice of this wild and wonderful land.

Then, in 1949, Bill and Ethel Mundy bought a large tract of ranch land in an out-of-the way community called Chama New Mexico.   This once-bustling railroad town was then a center for regional agriculture.  At one time in history, more sheep were shipped through Chama New Mexico than anywhere else in the land.

Bill and Ethel Mundy endured many hardships, but they persevered and never compromised their vision.  Today, the 11,000 acre Mundy Ranch is a model of conservation and thoughtful husbandry of this magnificent alpine land.