Homesteaders moving into the American West created the initial settlements that grew into what is now the town of Edgewood. Taking advantage of the federal Homestead Acts, pioneer families obtained land claims and began farming and ranching in the Edgewood area during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Edgewood was founded by a group of southern Santa Fe County residents and landowners. After the incorporation of the town in 1999, large areas of land were annexed. Efforts by the town government to avoid annexing properties whose owners did not wish to be brought within the town boundaries resulted in a checkerboard pattern of incorporated and unincorporated properties, one of the issues to be resolved in the town's Comprehensive Plan. One controversial annexation greatly enlarged the municipal boundaries and was the source of vigorous public debate. Despite two appeals and one lawsuit, the annexation was upheld. Recent construction projects have brought in a Tractor Supply Co. store, an O'Reilly Auto Parts, a Denny's, and a Comfort Inn & Suites, the town's first hotel.
Geography
Edgewood is located at , east of Albuquerque along Interstate 40. According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of, all land except for of water, covering 0.03% of the town. It is located within the Estancia Valley, east of the Sandia Mountains and Manzano Mountains of central New Mexico. Most of the land cover in the area is woodland or grassland. The town's commercial district lies along New Mexico Highway 66 and Highway 344. The town is east of the community of Sandia Park and the east base of the Sandia Mountains.
Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,893 people, 676 households, and 529 families residing in the town. The population density was 217.2 people per square mile. There were 755 housing units at an average density of 86.6 per square mile. The racial makeup of the town was 86.53% White, 0.32% African American, 2.17% Native American, 0.21% Asian, 0.16% Pacific Islander, 8.24% from other races, and 2.38% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 20.34% of the population. There were 676 households, out of which 44.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 63.9% were married couples living together, 10.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 21.6% were non-families. 18.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.80 and the average family size was 3.18. In the town, the population was spread out, with 32.9% under the age of 18, 5.3% from 18 to 24, 31.0% from 25 to 44, 24.4% from 45 to 64, and 6.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 98.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.3 males. The median income for a household in the town was $42,500, and the median income for a family was $45,952. Males had a median income of $33,365 versus $24,135 for females. The per capita income for the town was $18,146. About 8.4% of families and 10.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 13.1% of those under age 18 and 11.8% of those age 65 or over.
Government
Edgewood is governed by a mayor–council system and uses a town council with four councilors and the mayor. The current mayor is John Bassett, who defeated the then-incumbent mayor Brad Hill in the April, 2016 election.
Each summer from mid-June to early July, the Greater Edgewood Area Chamber hosts a series of events and activities spread throughout the area. Whether you're celebrating the cowboy spirit of old or the maverick in all of us, there is something for everyone. Key events include: the World Championships of Cowboy Action Shooting, Wildlife Festival & Chuckwagon BBQ Shows, Car Shows, Music & Brews Nites, Arts in the Field. Local businesses offer a variety of activities, our local restaurants features some "Best of NM" foods, don't miss the "Trinkets & Treasures Trail," and make time for our hiking trails and starry night skies, too. Other events include water play days, outdoor movie nights, and historical presentations. It's a busy time with a small town vibe—lots to do, so make reservations early for area hotels, campgrounds, and other lodging options. Edgewood is located on Historic Route 66 just 20 minutes east of Albuquerque, NM; 50 minutes south of Santa Fe, NM. Full calendar of events is posted online at Greater Edgewood Area Chamber website.
Annual Father's Day Car Show
Edgewood's Father's Day Car Show has been an annual tradition for the families of Edgewood on Father's Day for over a decade and has over time grown to become one of the largest free car shows in the Southwest. The event features a wide variety of cars entered at no cost to the exhibitor, free food, trophy awards, give-aways, and a silent auction. Proceeds from this event benefit the Edgewood Mobile Food Pantry, which has been the case for several years. Due to the event's growth in size over the years, the car show was recently held in the parking lot of the Edgewood Wal-Mart, rather than its original locations, at the Valley View Christian Church of Edgewood.
Route 66 Run, Rally & Rock
Since 2001, Route 66 Run, Rally & Rock has been Edgewood’s town celebration! Typically held the first weekend of August, local residents and visitors love this event! It's a little different each year, but always features a parade on Route 66, entertainment, displays by regional artisans and businesses, contests, and games. The "rally" and "run" portions vary from year to year to keep it fresh. Main activities are held at Rich Ford Edgewood, with the community parade on Historic Route 66. Conditions permitting, fireworks are a nighttime feature.
Bustin' Clays Tournament
It's an Autumn tradition! The annual Bustin' Clays Tournament is a sporting clays event enjoyed by experienced and first-time participants alike. Sporting clays is often referred to as 'golf with a shot gun' for its style of play. Held at beautiful Founders Ranch in Edgewood, the course is world-class and surrounded by great views of the region. The electronics on the course make it a different challenge every time you shoot. Equipment rentals available. Organized by Greater Edgewood Area Chamber, with participation open to the public, the event is held in September each year.
This park is home to more than 20 species of native New Mexico wildlife, all are rescued and non-releasable. The park is a learning environment, and hosts numerous events and festivals throughout the summer months. New Mexico Tourism offers the complete story of how the park got started.
Since its beginnings in the 1980s in Southern California, Single Action Shooting Society, has been preserving the cowboy way and sharing the excitement of Cowboy Action Shooting as a sport. Edgewood is now world headquarters of SASS and Founders Ranch - home to the annual World Championships of Cowboy Action Shooting. Founders Ranch is open year-round for shooting sports. Cowboy Action Shooting and Wild Bunch Action Shooting are sports involving period replicas of firearms of the late 1800s/early 1900s. Participants compete in period attire and under a personally selected SASS alias.
