Red River Live Cam

The Red River is a small town located in Taos County, New Mexico, United States. According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 1.0 square mile (2.6 km²), all of it land. Here are some demographic details of Red River based on the 2020 US Census:

• The population of Red River is 430, which is a decrease from the 2010 census count of 477.
• The median age in Red River is 58.3 years old, which is significantly higher than the national median age of 38.2 years old.
• The town is predominantly White, with 86.5% of the population identifying as such. Hispanic or Latino people make up 9.3% of the population, while people of two or more races account for 4.2%.
• The town has a relatively high median household income of $57,917, which is slightly higher than the median household income for the state of New Mexico ($51,945).
• The cost of living in Red River is relatively high compared to the national average, with housing costs being a particularly significant contributor to this trend.

It's worth noting that Red River is a popular tourist destination, particularly for winter sports enthusiasts, so its population can fluctuate significantly depending on the season.

Historical Facts

• The town was originally settled by Native Americans and then later by Hispanic farmers and ranchers. The area's first European American settlers arrived in the late 1800s.
• Red River was named after the nearby river, which is said to have gotten its name from the reddish color of its water, caused by the iron-rich soil in the area.
• In the late 1800s, the discovery of gold and silver in the nearby mountains brought a rush of prospectors and miners to the area. Red River quickly became a bustling mining town, with numerous mines and mills operating in the surrounding mountains.
• The town's mining industry declined in the early 1900s, and by the 1920s, tourism had become the main industry in Red River. Today, the town remains a popular tourist destination, particularly for skiing and other winter sports.
• Red River is located near the historic Santa Fe Trail, which was a major trade route between Missouri and Santa Fe, New Mexico, in the 19th century.
• In 1908, Red River was the site of a major flood that caused significant damage to the town and surrounding area. The flood was caused by heavy rains that caused the nearby Red River to overflow its banks.
• During World War II, Red River was the site of a government-owned tungsten mine that supplied the war effort. The mine operated from 1942 to 1946 and was one of the largest tungsten mines in the United States at the time.

Economy

Red River, New Mexico, has a diverse economy that is largely based on tourism, with skiing and other outdoor recreational activities being major draws for visitors. Here are some key details about the town's economy:

• Tourism is the main industry in Red River. The town has a number of ski resorts and other recreational attractions, including hiking and biking trails, fishing, and camping areas.
• Red River's ski resorts, including the Red River Ski Area and the nearby Taos Ski Valley, are major drivers of the town's tourism industry. The ski season typically runs from November to April.
• The town's economy also benefits from seasonal events and festivals, such as the annual Red River Folk Festival and the Red River Motorcycle Rally.
• In addition to tourism, Red River has a small retail sector, with shops and restaurants catering to both locals and visitors.
• Red River's cost of living is relatively high compared to the national average, with housing being a significant contributor to this trend. As a result, some residents work in nearby towns such as Taos or Angel Fire, where the cost of living is lower.
• The town's population can fluctuate significantly depending on the season, with many part-time residents and visitors arriving during the winter and summer months.

Overall, Red River's economy is closely tied to its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. The town's tourism industry is a major source of employment and economic activity, with skiing and other outdoor activities drawing visitors from around the world.

Education

Red River, New Mexico, is served by the Red River Municipal Schools, a small school district that serves students in grades pre-K through 12. Here are some key details about education in Red River:

• The Red River Municipal Schools consists of one elementary school, one middle school, and one high school, all of which are located on a single campus.
• The district has a small student body, with a total enrollment of around 200 students. This allows for a low student-to-teacher ratio and personalized attention for students.
• The Red River Municipal Schools offer a range of academic programs and extracurricular activities, including art and music classes, athletics, and clubs.
• The district also offers special education services for students with disabilities, as well as bilingual education for English language learners.
• High school students in Red River have the option to take dual credit courses through nearby colleges and universities, allowing them to earn college credit while still in high school.
• While Red River does not have any colleges or universities within its city limits, there are several institutions of higher education within driving distance, including the University of New Mexico-Taos and Northern New Mexico College.

Overall, Red River's small school district provides students with a personalized and well-rounded education, with a range of academic and extracurricular opportunities. Students in Red River also have access to nearby colleges and universities, allowing them to continue their education after graduation.