Encino

County: Torrance

Year Established: 1904

Year Abandoned: Semi-ghost town

Population: 84 (As of 2020)

Location: Encino is located of US HWY 285 In between Clines Corners and Vaughn.

About: Dillon was first elected to public office in 1924 as Republican state senator from Torrance County. He was elected Governor in 1926, and, upon re-election in 1928, became the first two term Governor in the history of the State of New Mexico. His administration was characterized by business-like management and the development of New Mexico's infrastructure, particularly through the construction and black-topping of roads.

Remains: Tons to see! Worth the trip!

Timeline

1904

Encino's post office opened

1904

Both a protestant and catholic church were built, one doubled as a school

1905

The railroad announced plans to establish a depot

1905

B.G. Mercantile was built and doubled as a depot and remained the only store until 1908

1908

A.R Cecil established a lumber company

1910

Newspaper was founded but quickly went out of business

1920's

the William's Mercantile was built along Railroad Street and later moved to accommodate the Highway

1926

US HWY was officially designated, although parts of the route in New Mexico remained unpaved until the 1950's

1927

Best known resident R.C. Dillon elected 8th New Mexico Governor

1965

Encino's Railroad depot closed

1982

Encino's Highschool closed

2000

Encino had a population of 94

2020

Encino is currently a semi ghost town with a population of 51 as of 2020

Encino, New Mexico. Passing through the town on the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad between Vaughn and Belen, New Mexico. Photo taken in March 1943.

Contributor Name

Delano, Jack, 1914-1997, photographer

Source: Library of Congress

R.C. Dillon & Company Building

R.C. Dillon & Company in Encino, New Mexico

August 2022

August 2022

In 1907, Richard Charles Dillon moved to Encino, New Mexico. Dillon started R.C. Dillon and Company, a general wholesale and retail business in Encino. He also developed an interest in ranching and livestock trade and purchased a sheep ranch at Encino. Dillon maintained a business stake in both R.C. Dillon and Co. and the Frank Bond and Son Co., throughout his life.