Village of Williamsburg History
Three State Park Entrances…..White Sands National Monument, Gila Forrest and Indian Cliff Dwellings…
The City of Rocks and Many Old Ghost Towns.
WILLIAMSBURG is located on the Rio Grande River BetweenTwo of New Mexico’s Finest Lakes: Elephant Butte Lake and Caballo Lake
(History)
In 1949, three residential areas just southwest of and adjacent to Hot Springs (now Truth or Consequences) voted to incorporate as a village and take the name of the first mayor, Dr. Thomas B. Williams - a very colorful character on the local political and social scene.
There was a sizeable increase in population in Williamsburg in 1950 (after Hot Springs officially changed its name) due to the numerous locals who refused to live in a town called Truth or Consequences! Williamsburg citizens even voted to adopt the name "Hot Springs" (since it was no longer being used by their neighbors), but the idea never caught on, and about a year later the name was changed back to Williamsburg. The post office in Williamsburg was established in 1951. The village has progressed with a modern municipal services complex, and utility services are provided for its residents through contracts with the City of Truth or Consequences. There are several businesses near the I-25 freeway exit (75) at Williamsburg.
The Rio Grande Motel, one of the largest motels in Sierra County was built and established in 1976. There is a small park directly across the highway 187 on the west end of the village, two RV parks, several convenience stores with gasoline and diesel, and a long-established antique business. Many of the residents are retirees who like the small village atmosphere.
The "old" state highway (187), a picturesque southbound route that serves as an alternative to I-25, is accessed via Williamsburg. NM 187 is one of the routes of the Geronimo Trail National Scenic Byway. (Source: Sierra County Tourism)
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