<P> The San Luis Valley is a region in south - central Colorado with a small portion overlapping into New Mexico . It is the headwaters of the Rio Grande . It contains 6 counties and portions of 3 others . The valley was ceded to the United States by Mexico following the Mexican -- American War . Hispanic settlers began moving north and settling in the valley after the United States made a treaty with the Utes and established a fort . Prior to the Mexican war the Spanish and Mexican governments had reserved the valley to the Utes , their allies . During the 19th century Anglo settlers settled in the valley and engaged in mining and irrigated agriculture . Today the valley has a diverse Anglo and Hispanic population . </P>
<P> The San Luis Valley is a region in south - central Colorado with a small portion overlapping into New Mexico . It is the headwaters of the Rio Grande . It contains 6 counties and portions of 3 others . The valley was ceded to the United States by Mexico following the Mexican -- American War . Hispanic settlers began moving north and settling in the valley after the United States made a treaty with the Utes and established a fort . Prior to the Mexican war the Spanish and Mexican governments had reserved the valley to the Utes , their allies . During the 19th century Anglo settlers settled in the valley and engaged in mining and irrigated agriculture . Today the valley has a diverse Anglo and Hispanic population . </P>
where is the san luis valley in colorado
where is the san luis valley in colorado
south - central Colorado with a small portion overlapping into New Mexico
south - central Colorado with a small portion overlapping into New Mexico