Hatch, New Mexico
Hatch, New Mexico began as many other New Mexican towns, as a small settlement of farmers near water, the Rio Grande River in 1851. Only a short few years later, in 1853, nearby Apache Indian tribes raided the town, driving the farmers off. Hatch was resettled by farmers in 1875, who continue to farm to this day.
Not too much of this history remains in the town today. As an agricultural town, Hatch is now the Chile Capital of the World. The Southern New Mexico heat with the nearby Rio Grande river serving as a water source for crops, the popular chile peppers thrive in the environment.
'Hatch Chile', just a moniker, refers to a wide variety of peppers grown in the region, that come to fruition at the yearly Hatch Chile Festival. For just two days every September the towns population grows from the normal 2000 inhabitants to nearly 30,000 festival attendees. Having been featured on the Food Channel, recent years have seen an increase in popularity from visitors all over the United States, hoping to try some of the world-famous chile peppers.
During the rest of the years, Hatch is the quintessential small-town New Mexico. With 2000 residents, and being situated a distance from the I-25 interstate, the town succeeds at having a laid-back atmosphere. The inhabitants, for the most part being farmers, enjoy a relaxed lifestyle. Visitors wanting to try some Hatch Chile can stop in at The Pepper Pot, a restaurant serving meals with the delicious peppers year-round.
