Garcia is a small town located in south central Colorado. Though it is not a large community, the area has a long, rich history, dating to the time of Coronado's exploration of the Southwest.
Garcia is located in Costilla County, Colorado. It is just north of the New Mexico border. This was the first area of Colorado to be colonized, with written history dating to 1540.
The town was originally known as Plaza de los Manzanares. It was settled in 1842, but the early residents were driven away by the Ute Indians.
In 1849, Garcia was established and the name was permanently changed when the village got a post office. It is also known as Los Garcia. Settlement was also aided that year when a treaty was signed with the Utes.
Costilla County, part of the 8,000-square mile San Luis Valley, is mostly farming and agricultural. However, tourism also brings thousands of visitors to the area each year.
As of 2009, Garcia had a population of 276 people. Since 2000, the population has decreased by almost 3 percent.
