Tony Hillerman: A Literary Giant of the Mile-High Southwest
Early Life and Inspiration
Tony Hillerman, the renowned author of mystery novels featuring Native American sleuths, found his inspiration in the high desert landscapes of the American Southwest. Born in Oklahoma, Hillerman moved to New Mexico in the 1950s and became deeply immersed in the region’s rich history and diverse cultures.
Albuquerque: A City of Contrasts
Hillerman settled in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, a small town on the outskirts of the bustling city of Albuquerque. The town’s “mile-high” elevation, cool nights, and dry climate appealed to him, as did the surrounding mountains, the Rio Grande, and the shady bosque along its banks.
Despite its proximity to Albuquerque, Los Ranchos retained its rural character, with irrigation ditches (acequias) still delivering water to farm fields and gardens. However, the city’s urban amenities were also within easy reach, providing Hillerman with a unique blend of country and city life.
A Tapestry of Cultures
The Southwest is renowned for its multicultural heritage, and Los Ranchos was no exception. Pueblo Indian villages surrounded the town, and their languages and traditions enriched the local culture. Hillerman credited the Franciscan friars who accompanied the Spanish conquistadors for fostering this multiculturalism, arguing that they recognized the Pueblo Indians as “Gente de razón” (people of reason) and treated them with respect.
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and Land Rights
The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, signed at the end of the Mexican-American War, played a pivotal role in preserving the water rights of the Pueblo Indians and Spanish settlers in the Southwest. The treaty guaranteed that the rights granted by the Spanish king to these groups would be respected under U.S. law. Thus, the acequias that watered Los Ranchos continued to flow, ensuring the survival of the town’s agricultural heritage.
The Atomic Age and High-Tech Development
In the 1940s, the development of the atomic bomb brought significant changes to Albuquerque. Los Alamos Laboratory was established atop the Pajarito Plateau, and Kirtland Air Force Base and Sandia Laboratory were built nearby. The influx of scientists, engineers, and other high-skilled workers transformed Albuquerque into a major center for high-tech industries.
The Railroad and the Split of Albuquerque
The arrival of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad in the 1880s had a profound impact on Albuquerque. The railroad chose to build its depot and other facilities on the east side of the river, leading to the creation of “New Town.” The original settlement, now known as “Old Town,” became a separate entity. While a trolley service connected the two areas, the split between New Town and Old Town persisted.
Sandia Mountain: A Natural Wonder
Sandia Mountain, rising to over 11,000 feet on the eastern edge of Albuquerque, was a constant source of inspiration for Hillerman. Its dramatic cliffs, painted red by the setting sun, gave it its name (“Sandia” means “watermelon” in Spanish). The mountain offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape, from the sacred Turquoise Mountain to the distant lights of Santa Fe and Los Alamos.
The Empty Spaces
Beyond the hustle and bustle of Albuquerque lay vast expanses of empty land, including mountains, mesas, and plains. Hillerman found solace and inspiration in these untouched places, valuing their silence and solitude. From Los Ranchos, these empty spaces were easily accessible, providing a refuge from the modern world.
Hillerman’s Legacy
Tony Hillerman’s 18 mystery novels featuring Jim Chee and Joe Leaphorn have sold millions of copies worldwide. His work has not only entertained readers but also shed light on the rich history, diverse cultures, and environmental beauty of the American Southwest. Hillerman’s legacy as a literary giant of the region continues to inspire and engage readers to this day.