Dixon
geographic name | part of encyclopedia/places
Pronounced: \dik-suh n\ | IPA: /ˈdɪk sən/
Definition of Dixon
Dixon, due to its funnel-shaped mountains it was formerly known as Embudo or El Puerto del Embudo de Nuestro Señor San Antonio, it was later renamed after a missionary named Collins Dixon. It is a small town in Rio Arriba County, this town is located between the Carson National Forest (to the north & west) and the Santa Fe National Forest (to the south & west), in the Embudo Valley, Northern New Mexico. Known for its vistas of funnel shaped mountains, historical churches of St. Anthony’s Church and Embudo Presbyterian Church, multiple arts studios, the wineries of La Chiripada Winery and the Vivác Winery, and as an agricultural community with co-op market. The town covers a total of approximately 1.4sq mi, with a current population, according to the 2010 census, of 926 people. Located at about 6,025 feet above sea level.
The terrain of the town ranges from bunchgrass prairie, chaparral, to piñon-juniper woodland. The main street of Dixon is NM 75. Historic landmarks include St. Anthony’s Church, Santuario de Chimayo, and Embudo Presbyterian Church. Natural landmarks include Serro Avaro and Embudo Creek.
Examples of Dixon
Origin of Dixon
The Ancient Pueblo prehistoric culture first called this area their home. The Spanish modern culture arrived, during the start of the Santa Fe de Nuevo México culture, in the late 1700s and the land was referred to as El Puerto del Embudo de Nuestro Señor San Antonio (The door of the funnels of our Saint Anthony). The name came from the funnel shaped mountains in the area, a nearby historic site and town still carries the name Embudo due to Embudo Station from the Denver and Rio Grande Western Railroad. In the year 1900 the town was renamed Dixon, after a Presbyterian missionary named Collins Dixon who had been helpful to the community during the late 1800s.
Alternate spellings exist; El Puerto del Embudo de Nuestro Señor San Antonio, Embudo.
First Known Use: 17th century as El Puerto del Embudo de Nuestro Señor San Antonio, 19th century as Embudo, and 20th century as Dixon.