Before Spanish conquest Mora County was primarily Indian Country, Mora Valley having been used by the Utes, Navajos, and the Apaches. After Spanish conquest, it was primarily a travelway for Spanish explorers and was not really settled until the beginning of the 19th Century.

The earliest records of Mora County come from 1817 when a group of settlers from San Juan de los Caballeros petitioned the Catholic Church. They had wanted a church to be built in Lo de Mora, the former name of Mora County.

Albino Pérez, Governor of New Mexico Territory gave over 800,000 acres of land to 25 families.

1837: The Revolt of 1837- The government of Governor Albino Pérez was overthrown.

1846-1848: During the Mexican-American War, there was a revolt in 1847, led by Manuel Cortez and Pablo Montoya. The result was Governor Charles Bent being killed in Taos, 19 January 1847. On that same date a group of traders passing through were also killed.

1860: 01 February- Mora County was offically formed from parts of Taos and San Miguel Counties, making it roughly twice the size of its current size. Shortly after the county was shrunk.

1900: By 1900, Mora County had been reduced to almost its current size, the left over eastern portion having been added to neighboring Harding County.

Today Mora County, in the heart of high country, offers many hunting, fishing and ranching areas, has a population of 5, 180 (2000) with a total area of 1,933 square miles.