Chloride, New Mexico – Center of the Apache Mining District
Nestled approximately 40 miles northwest of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, lies the captivating ghost town of Chloride, New Mexico. This relic of the Old West stands as a testament to the fleeting glory of mining booms and the enduring spirit of the American frontier. Once a bustling hub within the Apache Mining District, Chloride, New Mexico offers a glimpse into a bygone era, where fortunes were sought, and legends were forged amidst the rugged landscapes of the Black Range Mountains.
The story of Chloride, New Mexico begins in 1879 with Harry Pye, a seasoned mule skinner, freighter, and prospector. While fulfilling a freight contract for the Army, transporting supplies from Hillsboro to Camp Ojo Caliente, Pye stumbled upon silver float in a canyon within the Black Range. Recognizing the potential significance of his discovery, he had the sample assayed. The results confirmed his hopes: it was high-grade "chloride of silver," a term that would later lend its name to the burgeoning town.
Upon completing his Army contract, Pye wasted no time in returning to the canyon, accompanied by a small group of fellow prospectors. Their efforts were rewarded when they unearthed the "Mother Lode," a rich vein of silver ore that became known as the "Pye Lode." This pivotal discovery ignited a mining rush, transforming the secluded canyon into a tent city almost overnight. The initial excitement, however, was tinged with tragedy.
The Apache, fiercely protective of their ancestral lands, viewed the influx of prospectors and settlers as an unwelcome intrusion. Just months after striking his fortune, Harry Pye met a tragic end. Confronted by hostile Apache warriors, his pistol jammed as he attempted to defend himself, leaving him vulnerable to their attack. Though Pye’s life was cut short, his discovery had already set in motion the establishment of a town that would forever bear the mark of the Apache Mining District.
The following year, the tent city expanded rapidly, filling the canyon with a diverse mix of hopeful miners, merchants, and opportunists. The burgeoning camp boasted seven businesses, including the Pioneer Store, which would later become a landmark, and over 20 substantial houses. Initially known as Pyetown, in honor of its founder, and later as Bromide, the settlement eventually adopted the name Chloride, New Mexico, a direct reference to the silver chloride that had sparked its creation.
The allure of silver continued to draw prospectors to the area. In January 1881, a group of eighteen men established a camp at the mouth of Chloride Gulch. However, they soon encountered the same hostility that had claimed Harry Pye’s life. An Apache raid resulted in the deaths of two men, the loss of their horses and mules, and the flight of the remaining sixteen, who narrowly escaped with their lives. Undeterred, they returned in March, heavily armed and determined to establish a permanent settlement.
These men, fueled by the promise of riches and a desire to tame the wilderness, formally laid out the town of Chloride, New Mexico. Lots were distributed through a lottery system, with tickets drawn from a hat. In a testament to the prevailing societal norms and the scarcity of women in the frontier, a free lot was offered as an incentive to the first woman to arrive in the camp.
Despite the constant threat of Apache attacks, which persisted until 1887, Chloride, New Mexico flourished. By June 1881, the town had grown to include eight saloons, three general stores, three restaurants, a lumberyard, two butcher shops, a boarding house, a livery stable, a post office, and a Justice of the Peace. The Pioneer Stage Line provided vital transportation links, connecting Chloride to the outside world.
As the center of mining operations in the Apache Mining District, Chloride, New Mexico reached its peak in 1883, with an estimated population of 3,000 residents. The thriving mining camp expanded to include a school, a newspaper called the Black Range, lawyers, doctors, a hotel, numerous saloons, and at least one brothel. Several mines were established, including the Silver Monument, the largest and most productive, as well as the U.S. Treasury, the New Era, the White Mountain, and the Wall Street mines.
Unlike many mining camps of the American West, Chloride, New Mexico never gained a reputation for lawlessness and violence. Its citizens were generally peaceful and orderly, with the primary threat stemming from the ever-present danger of Apache raids. However, the town did possess a notable landmark: a large tree known as the "Hangin’ Tree," which still stands in the middle of Wall Street. While no one was ever known to have been hanged from the tree, it served as a deterrent to maintain order. Rowdy or drunken cowboys and miners who got out of hand were often dunked in the stock tank and chained to the tree until they sobered up and regained their senses.
One memorable incident during Chloride’s heyday involved a series of scandalous letters that maligned the reputations of several town residents in 1886. A committee was formed to investigate the source of these letters, which eventually led to a 65-year-old physician named James Reekie, who had been practicing in Chloride since 1881. Determined to rid themselves of the offender, a group of approximately 30 citizens dragged Dr. Reekie to the edge of town, tarred and feathered him, and ordered him to leave.
Like many mining towns across the American West, Chloride’s prosperity was short-lived. By 1893, the ore deposits began to dwindle, and in 1896, the shift to a gold-based monetary standard dealt a fatal blow to the town. Silver prices plummeted, mines shut down, and residents began to leave in search of new opportunities. By the turn of the century, the population had dwindled to a mere 125 residents.
Over its brief but impactful history, the Apache Mining District produced an estimated $500,000 worth of silver and other ores. While large-scale mining operations have ceased, the area continues to be mined for Zeolite, a mineral used in various applications, including agricultural products, water and air filtration, and consumer goods.
Today, Chloride, New Mexico stands as a captivating ghost town, a destination for history enthusiasts and those seeking a glimpse into the past. Approximately 27 of the original buildings remain standing, including the iconic Pioneer Store, which now serves as a museum. The historic main street features false-front structures and adobe buildings, some restored and others bearing the marks of time. Two cemeteries offer a somber reminder of the lives lived and lost in this remote corner of New Mexico. The 200-year-old oak "Hangin’ Tree" still stands in the middle of Wall Street, a silent witness to the town’s colorful history.
Although officially a ghost town, Chloride is home to a small community of approximately 20 residents, many of whom are descendants of the town’s founders. These individuals are dedicated to preserving the town’s history and sharing its stories with visitors.
While all the buildings in this historic town are of interest, the Pioneer Store Museum is a must-see attraction. Housed in the original 1880 log building, the museum showcases original store fixtures, pre-1900 merchandise, photographs, town documents, and numerous artifacts from the early days of mining activity. The Pioneer Store was built by James Dalglish, who operated the store until 1897. After Dalglish leased it to individuals who continued store operations until 1908. At that time, it was sold to the U.S. Treasury Mining Company, which utilized it as a commissary for its employees.
In 1923, the owners closed the store, boarding up the windows and doors, and left all the furnishings and merchandise inside. For almost seven decades, the store remained untouched. Finally, the building was sold in 1989, and it took many years before it was fully refurbished to the state it is today. The Pioneer Store and the adjacent Monte Cristo Saloon are listed on the New Mexico State Register of Cultural Properties.
Chloride also provides Walking Tour brochures, a rest area, and an RV Park for visitors.
To reach Chloride from Truth or Consequences, travel north on I-25 to Exit 83, then turn left onto NM-181, left again onto NM-52, and follow signs to Winston. Turn left in Winston at Chloride Road and travel southwest to Chloride.