The village of Costilla was originally known as San Miguel, named after its church. On November 1, 1861, the Territory of Colorado created 17 original counties, with San Miguel as the original seat of Costilla County, Colorado Territory. When its post office opened on November 13, 1862, the village selected the new name Costilla, perhaps in recognition of its new status.[7] In 1863, county voters decided to move the county seat 17 miles (27 km) north to San Luis. In 1869, a U.S. government survey determined that Costilla was actually located in the Taos County, New Mexico Territory.[8] It wasn't until October 21, 1872, that the village post office was officially renamed Costilla, New Mexico Territory.[7]
Geography
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the community has an area of 3.056 square miles (7.92 km2), all land.[9]