Waterflow

History

The area now known as Waterflow is traditional Navajo territory. This place was called Chʼį́įdii Łichííʼ (Red Devil) in reference to Walter Stallings who operated a trading post in the area; nowadays, Tséyaa Akʼahí (beneath-rock oil) seems to be another designation in reference to the nearby oil fields, as can be seen on billboards in the area (pictured). The early Anglo settlers in this area named the place "Jewett Valley", and established Jewett Valley Cemetery as early as 1886. Although some reports say these pioneers were predominantly Catholic, one of the earliest families to be buried in this cemetery, the Hunts, have long been LDS. Catholicism in Waterflow, New Mexico dates from February 22, 1912, when the first Mass was celebrated there in makeshift quarters. Three young men, Joseph and Lorenzo Stallings of Kentucky and David Watson of Georgia, Catholics, were among the pioneer settlers of the region. They called on the Franciscan Fathers at Farmington for help in establishing a church at Waterflow, which they called “Kentucky Mesa.” Sacred Heart Church was dedicated May 16, 1917. The town was named "Jewett" in P. F. Collier's atlas as early as 1923. The local Catholic church remained a mission of Farmington but began to have a resident pastor in 1945. Since 1982, the Latter-day Saints have serviced their people in this area through the Kirtland Stake which covers from Kirtland west to Shiprock, New Mexico, and beyond.

Geography

Waterflow is a high desert valley with the highest point being a geological hogback called "Hogback". The San Juan River and Shumway Arroyo are important water resources in the area.

Race & ethnicity

Largest nearby schools

• KIRTLAND CENTRAL HIGH
  High · KIRTLAND · 713 students · 16.6:1 ratio
• JUDY NELSON ELEMENTARY
  Elementary · KIRTLAND · 493 students · 13:1 ratio
• KIRTLAND MIDDLE
  Middle · KIRTLAND · 430 students · 14.3:1 ratio
• KIRTLAND ELEMENTARY
  Elementary · KIRTLAND · 396 students · 11.6:1 ratio
• OJO AMARILLO ELEMENTARY
  Elementary · FRUITLAND · 303 students · 13.2:1 ratio
• KIRTLAND PRE-K EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER
  Other · KIRTLAND