Tucumcari, New Mexico or Six-Shooter Siding

Tucumcari, New Mexico, a city steeped in history and bathed in the golden hues of the southwestern sun, holds a captivating story within its borders. Once a rough-and-tumble railroad camp nicknamed "Six-Shooter Siding," Tucumcari has evolved from a lawless frontier town to a vibrant community that proudly showcases its rich heritage and unique charm. Its transformation, marked by periods of boom and bust, reveals a resilient spirit deeply intertwined with the landscape and the legendary Route 66.

The genesis of Tucumcari can be traced back to 1901, a time when the westward expansion of the Rock Island Railroad was reshaping the American West. As the iron horse snaked its way across the vast plains, it brought with it a wave of opportunity and change. The sleepy settlement of Liberty, located approximately three miles to the north, recognized the potential of the railroad and made a pivotal decision: to relocate and capitalize on the economic activity that was sure to follow.

This relocation wasn’t a gentle migration, but a rather pragmatic dismantling and rebuilding closer to the railroad tracks. With the railroad as its lifeblood, the nascent camp quickly transformed into a bustling hub. Merchants, eager to cater to the needs of the railroad workers and the burgeoning population, established their businesses. Gamblers, drawn by the allure of easy money and the thrill of chance, set up shop in makeshift saloons. And of course, where there were saloons, there were dance hall girls, adding a touch of glamour and entertainment to the rough-and-ready atmosphere. "Six-Shooter Siding," a fitting moniker, encapsulated the town’s wild and untamed character during this formative period.

The formal establishment of Tucumcari involved a collective effort led by five enterprising businessmen from Liberty. These individuals – M.B. Goldenberg, A.D. Goldenberg, Jacob Wertheim, J. A. Street, and Lee K. Smith – played a crucial role in shaping the future of the town. They filed on the land, securing it for development, and then generously donated 120 acres to serve as the townsite. Among them, J.A. Street holds the distinction of erecting the first tent in the newly established railroad camp, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the region’s history.

Initially christened "Douglas," the town’s name underwent a significant change just a year later. The new name, Tucumcari, was chosen to honor the majestic Tucumcari Mountains that formed a breathtaking backdrop to the city. The very name, believed to be derived from a Comanche word signifying "lookout," evokes images of sweeping vistas and ancient connections to the land.

The arrival of the first passenger train on March 12, 1902, heralded a new era of connectivity and prosperity for Tucumcari. Soon, the town became a vital transportation hub, with four passenger trains arriving daily, two from the east and two from the west. This influx of people and goods fueled the town’s growth and solidified its position as a key player in the region’s economy.

However, the hardy pioneers of Tucumcari faced significant challenges in their quest to build a thriving community. One of the most pressing issues was the scarcity of water. Early attempts to dig wells proved largely unsuccessful, as the hard ground resisted their efforts. As a result, water had to be hauled into the settlement daily, a costly endeavor that burdened residents with a price of 50 cents per barrel. This shortage underscored the importance of resourcefulness and community cooperation in overcoming the obstacles of frontier life.

Despite the challenges, businesses quickly sprang up to serve the growing population. The Waldorf-Astoria Hotel, offering rooms for $2 a day, provided much-needed accommodation for travelers and newcomers. The Monarch Saloon, along with numerous other taverns, catered to the thirsts and social needs of the community. A furniture store, a livery barn, a boarding house, several mercantile stores, and the Exchange Bank also established themselves, providing essential services and contributing to the town’s economic development. The home of Max Goldenberg, which also served as the post office, was the first permanent residence built in Tucumcari, symbolizing the town’s commitment to permanence and progress.

The Elk Drug Store, established in 1906 and owned by the eccentric Drug Store Cowboy Herman Moncus, became a local landmark. Moncus, a collector of local history, amassed a vast and eclectic collection of items related to the region and hung them from the ceiling of his store, creating a unique and unforgettable atmosphere.

Within a few years, the mesa lands surrounding Tucumcari attracted a wave of homesteaders, many of whom had arrived in Oklahoma Indian Territory too late to secure land. By 1907, the landscape was dotted with approximately 20 small towns scattered around Tucumcari. By 1910, the town boasted over 70 businesses, a functioning school system, and several churches, a testament to its rapid growth and development.

The town’s prosperity was primarily driven by the railroad and the surrounding ranching industry. However, the onset of the Great Depression brought significant hardship, leading to the abandonment of most of the surrounding small towns, which quickly reverted to cow pastures.

Despite the economic challenges of the Depression era, Tucumcari managed to persevere, buoyed by new opportunities presented by the advent of Route 66. This iconic highway, which stretched from Chicago to Los Angeles, brought a steady stream of travelers and tourists to the town, creating new businesses and stimulating the local economy.

In 1940, the construction of a dam on the South Canadian River led to the creation of approximately 60,000 acres of irrigated farmland. What had once been arid cow pastures were transformed into fertile agricultural land, providing a much-needed boost to the local economy and pulling Tucumcari out of its slump.

Today, Tucumcari welcomes over 6,000 visitors annually, drawn by its rich history, unique attractions, and its iconic Route 66 heritage. The Mesalands Dinosaur Museum offers a glimpse into the prehistoric past, while the Tucumcari Historical Museum showcases the town’s vibrant history, including a dedicated Route 66 exhibit. Ute Lake State Park provides opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation.

Beyond the town’s immediate boundaries, the landscape is characterized by sandstone rocks balancing in pinnacle formations, mesas and mountains, the cool waters of the Canadian River, and diverse wildlife, including pronghorn antelope, mule deer, Canadian geese, and sandhill cranes.

Tucumcari‘s five-mile stretch of Route 66, known as Tucumcari Boulevard, is a nostalgic journey back in time. The area offers a tangible glimpse into the 1940s and 1950s, with its array of vintage motels, restaurants, and curio shops.

Numerous neon signs beckon travelers to stop at legendary establishments such as the Blue Swallow Motel, established in 1939, Tee-Pee Curios trading post, the Paradise Motel, and many others. The Cactus Motor Lodge, the Westerner Drive-In, the Last Motel, the Pine Lodge, the Palomino Motel, Del’s Restaurant, the Town House and Safari Motels, the Sahara Sands Motel & Restaurant, Dick’s Auto Service, the Pow Wow Restaurant, the Buckaroo Motel, the Redwood Lodge, and the Paradise Motel are just some of the many attractions that line Tucumcari Boulevard.

The Tucumcari-Quay County Chamber of Commerce offers a detailed four-color brochure on Route 66, which outlines a special Route 66 history tour of Tucumcari. This brochure is available at the museum or the Chamber’s office.

In conclusion, Tucumcari is a true Route 66 delight, offering a unique blend of history, charm, and nostalgia. Visitors should allow ample time to explore its many attractions and capture the essence of this iconic American town. Before continuing down the road to Montoya and Santa Rosa, be sure to soak in all that Tucumcari has to offer.