Mora was once known as New Mexico’s breadbasket. During that era, local mills ground wheat, barley, and rye to supply fresh flour to Fort Union and regional markets.
Featured Mills on the Tour
St. Vrain Mill: Built in 1864, this is the oldest standing mill on display during the Labor Day Valley of Mills Tour and served as a critical supplier of flour to Fort Union.
La Cueva Mill at Houser Raspberry Ranch: The second-oldest site on the tour, it was originally founded in 1851 under the 1835 Mora Land Grant (though the precise timeline remains unclear, as parts of the structure appear even older).
Cleveland Roller Mill: Built between 1900 and 1901 by Joseph Fuss in Cleveland, this third mill was operated by Fuss until he sold it to Daniel Cassidy Sr. in 1913.
Labor Day Weekend Events
On Saturday, September 5, 2026, at noon, New Mexico State Historian Rob Martinez will speak at the Cleveland Roller Mill, presenting “Lo de Mora: A History of the Valley”—a topic close to his heart, as his ancestors are from the area.
Sandy Paiz will also host an authors’ event at the mill featuring three local writers who have published books about the Mora Valley.
Transportation & Guided Tours
The famous Las Vegas Trolley No. 11 will offer free rides between the mills. During the ride, Gary Sanchez will provide a narrated tour sharing insights into the history, culture, and operation of the mills.
This photo was in 2023, heavy rains after the Great Fire