Otero County was formed in 1889 from the western part of Bent County, and named for Miguel Otero, a founder of La Junta and head of the mercantile firm of Otero, Sellers & Company. La Junta is the county seat. If your family was in the area prior to 1889, you should check for records in cogenweb.org/bent. La Junta was first founded in 1875 as a temporary station for the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad, incorporated in 1881 and becoming a major commercial center in the following years. Another main town in Otero County was Rocky Ford, first founded in 1868 by Mr. A. Russell, moved to another location about 1877 and co-founded by Mr. Russell and George W. Swink. Agriculture was its principle industry, and the area was well known for its fine watermelon crop. Livestock was another industry prevalent in Otero County.
Early Otero County Families
Interment.net - Otero County Cemeteries
Political Graveyard - Otero County
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