You can barely go anywhere in the world these days without spotting a Hilton Hotel. The hotel chain was started by entrepreneur Conrad Hilton back in 1919 when he opened his first Hilton in Cisco, Texas. As a world-famous name brand, it’s almost hard to imagine its founder’s humble beginnings in San Antonio, New Mexico. This tiny, census-designated area in central New Mexico was the boyhood home of Conrad Hilton.

Conrad Nicholson Hilton Sr. was born in San Antonio, New Mexico on December 25, 1887. He was an entrepreneur who founded the world-renowned Hilton Hotel chain.
Harry Pot / Anefo/Wikimedia Commons
Mr. Hilton grew up in and around San Antonio, New Mexico and even worked at the general store his father owned in nearby Soccoro. He attended the Goss Military Academy in Roswell as well as St. Michael's College, both of which have since changed names. He also served as a representative on the New Mexico legislature.
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In 1919, Conrad Hilton purchased his first hotel. It was a 40-room building in Cisco, Texas which became such a success that he expanded his hotel business throughout the state. While he left New Mexico when he started his hotel chain, his legacy remains.
Cardinalis/TripAdvisor

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If you've never been to San Antonio, New Mexico, it may be worth a day trip. Located 12 miles from Socorro and with a population of around 100 residents, it's a bit of a sleepy community. However, there's plenty of natural beauty around to enjoy.
Peter Potrowl/Wikimedia Commons
One area of San Antonio that everyone should visit is the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. This 57,331-acre refuge is best known as a stopping point for migratory birds, specifically waterfowl.
Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 1001 NM-1, San Antonio, NM 87832, USA
HeadofSpreesUS/TripAdvisor
It's an extraordinary place for birdwatching and hiking.
In town, The Original Owl Bar & Cafe is always worth a stop for a bite to eat. It's famous for its juicy burgers, and both tourists and locals alike love to stop here!
The Original Owl Bar & Cafe, U.S. 380, San Antonio, NM, USA
The Original Owl Bar & Cafe/Google Reviews

Did you know that Conrad Hilton was born in and spent his childhood in San Antonio, New Mexico? We think it’s so amazing that such a small place in New Mexico produced such a well-known entrepreneur. What other famous people from New Mexico can you think of? Tell us in the comments. You can check out all of the hotels offered by the iconic hotel chain on Hilton.com.

Want to spend some time exploring San Antonio? Relax and spend the night at Fite Ranch Bed and Breakfast on a cattle ranch in New Mexico.

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San Antonio, NM 87801, USA