Animas, NM

Animas is an unincorporated community and census-designated place in west-central Hidalgo County, New Mexico, United States, in the southwestern corner of the state. The 2020 census counted 180 residents. Animas lies at the intersection of State Roads 9 and 338, at an elevation of 4,406 feet approximately 30 miles south of Lordsburg, the county seat. Founded circa 1753 by the Spanish, Animas became part of the newly independent country of Mexico in 1821. Animas is served by Animas Public Schools, which includes Animas Elementary, Middle, and High School. Taken together, these details give a newcomer a usable picture of Animas, where its history, geography, and current gathering places meet.

For Animas, the memorable detail is the way older history and current gathering places share one local map. Unlike most of New Mexico, Animas was not part of the Mexican Cession after the Mexican–American War ended; it is located in the area sold to the United States with the Gadsden Purchase of 1853. Animas is an isolated ranching community. Animas is located in the valley bounded by the Peloncillo Mountains on the west and the Pyramid Mountains and Animas Mountains on the east.