© 1999 Kirby Knoy
The three settlements of Patagonia, Sonoita and Elgin, lying within what has been termed "The Mountain Empire," actually comprise a single community. Originally they were linked together by the New Mexico and Arizona Railroad, built through there in the early 1880s. From the beginning they shared a common designation as "Cowtowns," if only by having their own cattle loading-pens alongside the railroad tracks. Each soon developed its own characteristics.
Each had its own Post Office and General Store, and Patagonia acquired ore-shipping docks and a distinct mining flavor early on. Along came pioneering bartenders, which neither Sonoita nor Elgin had much exposure to before "Repeal" came in 1933. All three had gasoline pumps when the day of the automobile arrived, and Patagonia even had its own Standard Oil distributorship, a lumberyard, a power plant, and several large ore-hauling contractors . . . largely converted from animal power to mechanization during World War I.
Sonoita and Elgin, meanwhile, went their separate ways and functioned as small crossroad communities where the locals could get their mail, gasoline, repairs and necessities. This went along to the satisfadion of all until shortly after the close of World War II, when "the outside world" began to take notice of all three communities. Mining fell off, truckers got to hauling most cattle shipments, the 'Try-weakly" train service dwindled to once per week, and our branch rail line was dismantled in 1962.
Patagonia's population had fallen off by as much as one-third during the War years, but by 1948 the community had incorporated and was beginning to perk up noticeably. The natural beauty of both Elgin and Sonoita had come to the attention of moviemakers as the location of such major productions as "Red River" and "Oklahoma!" And that was only the beginning: the beauty and climate of our Mountain Empire had been "discovered" and a good many new faces began to appear in and near all three small settlements.
Properties began to change hands, and major improvements were made by old-timers as well as by "come-Latelys" to the mutual wellbeing of all. Change continues to transform these communities as clear air, scenic beauty and tranquility continue to attract residents.
Patagonia Townsite was staked out in 1898 and has been incorporated since 1948. The everyday operation of municipal business and services is supervised by a mayor, council, town clerk, marshal and magistrate who operate out of the Town Hall in the historic 1904 railroad station sited in our park.
The Sonoita/Elgin area has seen growth from its ranching roots of less that a hundred residents in 1960 to some 1,800 today. Magnificent landscapes, unhurried lives, excellent land planning and a perfect climate contributed to this growth. Together with remaining ranches, vineyards and wineries have become a prominent economic force. The region features the Santa Cruz County Fair, annual horse racing and rodeo, and several restaurants and shops near the crossroads. Community interests are evident with the activities of the Chamber of Commerce, the Sonoita Crossroads Community Forum, Sonoita/Elgin Emergency Services (SEESI) and a weekly newspaper. The nearby Audubon Research Ranch is a unique environmental-ecological institution.
© 1999 - Sonoita Crossroads Community Forum