The Jensen Family

The Jensen family’s journey to northern New Mexico began in 1967, when Leonard and Marilyn Jensen followed a winding path from Washington to Idaho to Arizona before finally finding their home among the mountains and open land they would come to love so deeply.

Leonard—known simply as “Papa” to those who loved him most—was a man of quiet strength, tireless work ethic, and deep devotion to his family. Through years of hard work, he built a respected construction company, leaving his mark across northern New Mexico in the roads, ponds, and homes he helped create. But his greatest work was not just what he built for others—it was what he built for his family.

The 400 got its name when Leonard Jensen established the family ranch on 400 acres in the Chama Valley. Over the years, the ranch grew beyond its original boundaries, but the name stayed. Today, The 400 remains a Jensen family ranch and a place shaped by Leonard's vision, hard work, and love of the land. A place where generations have gathered, where children and grandchildren have spent their days swimming in the ponds, fishing at sunrise, hunting, hiking, and simply being together. Every road that winds through the property and every pond that reflects the New Mexico sky was built by Leonard and his family—a true labor of love, shaped by their hands and guided by their deep respect for the land. They cared for it with intention, preserving its natural beauty while quietly enhancing it for those who would come after them.

Above all else, Leonard was a devoted husband, a loving father, and a proud grandfather and great-grandfather. He was deeply loved not only by his family, but by the entire community he was part of. In 2021 Leonard passed away—but the life he built, the land he shaped, and the love he gave continue to live on in every corner of the ranch. It is more than just a place—it is a reflection of who he was, and a gift that will carry his spirit forward for generations to come.