Statues - Hither & Thither

the year 1998 marked the 400th anniversary of the arrival in new mexico of about 560
valiant men, women and children to establish one of the earliest permanent european
settlements in the united states. their leader and first governor, don juan de oñate,
led this intrepid band north over hundreds of desolate, dangerous miles to the green
valleys of northern new mexico. it was there the colonists established themselves by
introducing european crops and the first horses, sheep, goats, cattle, donkeys and
poultry – thereby establishing european culture and technology in the united states.
where they had not previously existed.

with the settlers cam the franciscan priests and brothers who ministered to the
colonists and to the native inhabitants of the region. it was this unswerving devotion
to their faith and to their families that consoled and inspired those settlers and their
descendants to endure and prevail over 400 years of isolation, abandonment, hardship
and cultural challenges. it is to those heroic precursors that our community joins in
raising this monument to our forefathers continuing contributions to the history,
culture and values of today's america. may they serve als an inspiration to all who pass
this way.