Statement of Significance (as of designation - December 21, 1965):
The Village grew up around the 45-room "castle" built by Ernest Thompson Seton (1860-1946), artist, author, scientist, and one of America's greatest naturalists. Seton was chairman of the committe that brought the Boy Scout movement to the United States; he served a Chief Scout and wrote the first Scout manual.

Condition:
Seton Village was purchased in 2002 by the Academy for the Love of Learning. The landmark is currently not open to the public as Seton Castle is in the process being restored; and the grounds are being cleared of years of rubbish, broken glass, and fallen wooden structures. In 2003, the Academy for the Love of Learning, Seton Village, received a Save America’s Treasures Grant in the amount of $330,000. The Academy plans to have the restoration of Seton Castle completed and open to the public in early 2006. While the Landmark is not open at this time, there is a website with information about it: www.aloveoflearning.org.

On November 17, 2005, the Free New Mexican newspaper reported that a fire has gutted Seaton Castle. A joint investigation was undertaken by the state's Fire Marshal and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms. A condition report from Intermoutain Region is pending.

Recommendation/Change since last report:
The academy intends to restore the Hogan and Kiva. It is in the midst of determining how or whether to rebuild the Castle and what remaining structures might be incorporated into the new building.