City of Grants

City of Grants Grants, New Mexico, a diverse community descending from many cultures and backgrounds. Grant, John R. Grant, and Lewis A.

History
Grants began as a railroad camp in the 1880s, when three Canadian brothers – Angus A. Grant – were awarded a contract to build a section of the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad through the region. The Grant brothers' camp was first called Grants Camp, then Grants Station, and finally Grants. The new city enveloped the existing colonial New Mexican settlement of Los Alamitos and grew along the

tracks of the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad. The town prospered as a result of railroad logging in the nearby Zuni Mountains, and it served as a section point for the Atlantic and Pacific, which became part of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. The Zuni Mountain Railroad short line had a roundhouse in town (near present-day Exit 81 off Interstate 40) and housed workers in a small community named Breecetown. Timber from the Zuni Mountains was shipped to Albuquerque where a large sawmill converted the timber to wood products that were sold around the west. After the decline of logging in the 1930s, Grants gained fame as the "carrot capital" of the United States. Agriculture was aided by the creation of Bluewater Reservoir, and the region's volcanic soils provided ideal conditions for farming. Grants also benefited from its location, both being an airway beacon and later by U.S. Route 66, which brought travelers and tourists and the businesses that catered to them. Today the beacon and FSS building on the airport (KGNT) has been restored as museum. Perhaps the most memorable boom in the town's history occurred when Paddy Martinez, a Navajo shepherd, discovered uranium ore near Haystack Mesa, sparking a mining boom that lasted until the 1980s. The collapse of mining pulled the town into a depression, but the town has enjoyed a resurgence based on interest in tourism and the scenic beauty of the region. Recent interest in nuclear power has revived the possibility of more uranium mining in the area, and energy companies still own viable mining properties and claims in the area.

⛏️🚗 $1 Day at the New Mexico Mining Museum! 🚗⛏️As part of the Spokes on 66 Car Show, enjoy a special $1 admission day at...
06/02/2026

⛏️🚗 $1 Day at the New Mexico Mining Museum! 🚗⛏️

As part of the Spokes on 66 Car Show, enjoy a special $1 admission day at the New Mexico Mining Museum!

📅 Saturday, June 6
⏰ 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Take a break from the car show and step into the rich mining history that built our community—all for just $1!

👉 Make it a full day in Grants—cars, history, and Route 66 fun all in one place!

🚗🔥 We’re Expecting a BIG Crowd for the 3rd Annual Spokes on 66 Car Show! 🔥🚗Join us in Historic Downtown Grants on Friday...
06/02/2026

🚗🔥 We’re Expecting a BIG Crowd for the 3rd Annual Spokes on 66 Car Show! 🔥🚗

Join us in Historic Downtown Grants on Friday, June 5th & Saturday, June 6th for an incredible weekend celebrating classic cars, Route 66, live entertainment, vendors, food, and family fun!

As we prepare to welcome thousands of visitors, we ask everyone to please be patient, drive carefully, and follow all traffic control measures throughout downtown Grants.

To help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone:

✅ Event map is attached
✅ Vendor setup schedules and assigned locations have been distributed
✅ Designated parking areas are available and identified on the event map
✅ Complimentary transportation will be provided by Rockin Express to help attendees travel throughout the event area

🚧 Road Closure Notice – Friday, June 5th
Beginning Friday, the following streets will be closed at High Street and Santa Fe Avenue:
• 911 Road
• Iron Street
• 5th Street

Please plan accordingly and follow all posted signage and directions from event staff.

We appreciate everyone's cooperation as we work to create a safe, organized, and exciting Route 66 Centennial weekend for residents, visitors, vendors, and participants.

Thank you for supporting Downtown Grants and helping make Spokes on 66 one of the premier community events in the region!

⚡🚗 Route 66 is Going Electric! 🚗⚡As Route 66 approaches its 100th Anniversary, the iconic Mother Road continues to inspi...
06/02/2026

⚡🚗 Route 66 is Going Electric! 🚗⚡

As Route 66 approaches its 100th Anniversary, the iconic Mother Road continues to inspire new adventures for a new generation of travelers.

Ford recently took the all-electric Mustang Mach-E on a Route 66 road trip, showcasing how America's most famous highway is evolving while preserving the spirit of freedom, exploration, and discovery that has defined it for nearly a century. Route 66 remains one of the world's most celebrated road trips, stretching more than 2,400 miles across eight states and countless historic communities.

Here in Grants, New Mexico, we're proud to be part of that story. Whether you're cruising in a classic car, riding a motorcycle, traveling by RV, or driving the latest electric vehicle, Route 66 offers unforgettable experiences, rich history, outdoor adventure, and authentic small-town hospitality.

As we prepare for the Route 66 Centennial, we're excited to welcome travelers from around the world to experience everything that makes Grants a must-stop destination along the Mother Road.

🔗 Check out Ford's Route 66 adventure:
https://www.fromtheroad.ford.com/us/en/articles/2026/route-66-mustang-mach-e-road-trip

Liv Leigh and Patrick Anderson, known as The Electric Duo, took a 2,448-mile Route 66 road trip in the 2026 Ford Mustang Mach-E GT California Special.

🐎🌟 BARREL RACE & POLE JACKPOT 🌟🐎Join us for an exciting evening at the Grants Rodeo Grounds on Thursday, June 4th and he...
06/01/2026

🐎🌟 BARREL RACE & POLE JACKPOT 🌟🐎

Join us for an exciting evening at the Grants Rodeo Grounds on Thursday, June 4th and help support our local youth rodeo contestants!

🏇 Schedule
🕠 5:30 PM – 6:30 PM | Open Riding
🕡 6:30 PM | Competition Begins
⭐ Exhibition Barrels
⭐ Open Barrel Jackpot
⭐ Exhibition Poles
⭐ Pole Jackpot

💵 Fees:
• $10 Arena Fee
• $5 Exhibitions
• $25 Entry Fee (3D Barrel & 2D Pole)
• Cash Only

🎉 All proceeds benefit the Youth Saddle Award for the Wild West Days Jr. Rodeo, helping support the next generation of rodeo athletes.

Bring your friends and family, enjoy a cool summer evening at the arena, and cheer on some talented riders while supporting a great cause!

📍 Grants Rodeo Grounds
📞 For information: 505-290-0977

🚒🚓 TOUCH A TRUCK – FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY! 🚓🚒The City of Grants invites residents and visitors to join us for a Touch ...
05/30/2026

🚒🚓 TOUCH A TRUCK – FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY! 🚓🚒

The City of Grants invites residents and visitors to join us for a Touch a Truck experience during the Spokes on 66 Car Show.

📍 Open lot next door to Jenny's on 66
📍 1100 W. Santa Fe Ave., Grants, NM
🕚 Saturday, June 6th from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Children and families will have the opportunity to get up close to a variety of vehicles, meet local first responders, and enjoy a hands-on community experience.

🎟️ Attendees can also enter a raffle to win one of two vintage-style pedal cars:

🚓 Police Cruiser Pedal Car
🚒 Fire & Rescue Pedal Car

Raffle Tickets:
• 1 Ticket for $10
• 3 Tickets for $25

Tickets will be available for purchase during the event, and you do not need to be present to win.

Bring the family, explore the vehicles, and enjoy a great day in downtown Grants as we celebrate Spokes on 66 and the upcoming Route 66 Centennial.

🎉🏆 Big News for Grants, New Mexico! 🏆🎉We are proud to share that our community has received special recognition highligh...
05/29/2026

🎉🏆 Big News for Grants, New Mexico! 🏆🎉

We are proud to share that our community has received special recognition highlighting the incredible momentum, revitalization efforts, and community pride happening right here along Historic Route 66! 🌟

From public art and murals to outdoor recreation, community events, downtown revitalization, and the upcoming Route 66 Centennial celebration, Grants continues to shine as a destination full of energy, culture, and opportunity.

This recognition reflects the hard work and collaboration of our local businesses, volunteers, city leadership, community partners, and residents who continue to invest in the future of Grants. ❤️

Thank you to everyone helping move our community forward and making Grants a place people want to visit, explore, and call home.

🔗 Read more here: http://bit.ly/4vhCVed

One of New Mexico’s Route 66 cities just made it onto a USA Today list for the third year in a row.

Find Your New Best Friend at the Spokes on 66 Car Show! Join us during the Spokes on 66 Car Show for a special Shelter D...
05/28/2026

Find Your New Best Friend at the Spokes on 66 Car Show!

Join us during the Spokes on 66 Car Show for a special Shelter Dog Day filled with classic cars, family fun, and lovable pups looking for their forever homes!

Whether you’re a car enthusiast, animal lover, or just looking to add a furry co-pilot to your family, this is the perfect opportunity to meet adoptable dogs from local rescues and shelters.

📍 Downtown Grants
📅 Saturday, June 6
⏰ During the Spokes on 66 Car Show

✨ Enjoy:
🐾 Adoptable dogs
🎶 Live music
🚘 Classic cars & hot rods
🍔 Food vendors
🎉 Family-friendly fun

Help us give these amazing dogs a second chance and make this Route 66 celebration even more special!

🇺🇸🎆 Get ready, Grants! Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary at the 86th Annual 4th of July Parade!📍Parade will kick off...
05/28/2026

🇺🇸🎆 Get ready, Grants! Celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary at the 86th Annual 4th of July Parade!

📍Parade will kick off at Wayne Street and march down Santa Fe Ave. and First Street, finishing at the Grants Public Library
🗓 Saturday, July 4th, 2026
⏰Line-up at 7:00AM; parade starts at 9AM

Follow the below link or scan the QR code on the flyer to register your float:
https://form.jotform.com/260815822995165

05/27/2026

City of Grants City Council Meeting 5/27/2026

05/22/2026

Waste Management will run their normal schedule next week for Memorial Day. Please have your can out by 6am on your service day.

Address

600 W Santa Fe Avenue
Grants, NM
87020

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

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