Ghost Towns & Mining Camps of New Mexico
New Mexico, a land steeped in history, boasts a narrative woven from threads of ancient civilizations, intrepid explorers, rugged pioneers, and ambitious prospectors. Its story stretches back some 10,000 years, encompassing the legacy of the Ancient Puebloan Indians, the arrival of Spanish conquistadors, the passage of settlers along the Santa Fe Trail, and the boom-and-bust cycles of 19th-century mining. These diverse groups have all left indelible marks on the "Land of Enchantment," not only on its historic trails but also in the numerous ruins and ghost towns & mining camps of New Mexico that stand as silent witnesses to a bygone era.
From the crumbling walls of abandoned pueblos to the weathered remnants of old mining camps, from deserted railroad junctions to forgotten ranching settlements, New Mexico is dotted with hundreds of ghost towns and historic sites, beckoning explorers and history enthusiasts alike. These locations offer a tangible connection to the past, providing a glimpse into the lives, struggles, and triumphs of those who shaped the state’s rich heritage.
Ghost Towns, Ruins and Mining Camps:
Along the Dry Cimarron:
The Dry Cimarron region of northeastern New Mexico, a land of vast plains and rugged canyons, holds a stark beauty that belies its sometimes harsh history. This area, once a crossroads for travelers and settlers, is now dotted with the skeletal remains of communities that struggled to survive. The Dry Cimarron’s ghost towns tell tales of cattle ranching, brief agricultural endeavors, and the challenges of life on the frontier. Visiting these sites requires a spirit of adventure, as many are located on remote dirt roads, but the rewards are great for those seeking a glimpse into the past.
Folsom:
Nestled in Union County, Folsom is perhaps best known for the discovery of the "Folsom Man," an early Native American culture that thrived in the area thousands of years ago. While the archaeological significance of Folsom is undeniable, the town also boasts a compelling history of its own. The town experienced a brief boom in the late 19th century as a ranching and agricultural center, but its fortunes dwindled as transportation routes shifted. Today, Folsom retains a handful of historic buildings, a reminder of its former vitality and a testament to the enduring spirit of the Southwest.
Bell/Johnson Mesa:
Towering above the surrounding landscape in Mora County, Johnson Mesa offers panoramic views and a glimpse into New Mexico’s ranching past. The mesa served as a refuge and a grazing ground for livestock, supporting a small community of ranchers and their families. The isolation of the mesa, however, eventually led to its decline. Exploring Johnson Mesa requires a sturdy vehicle and a sense of self-reliance, but the views from the top are well worth the effort. The remnants of old homesteads and schoolhouses whisper stories of resilience and the challenges of frontier life.
Sugarite:
Located in the northeastern corner of New Mexico, Sugarite Canyon State Park is home to the remains of a coal mining town that once thrived in the early 20th century. The town of Sugarite was established to support the burgeoning coal industry, providing housing, schools, and other amenities for the miners and their families. When the coal mines closed, the town gradually faded away, leaving behind a collection of weathered buildings and foundations. Today, Sugarite Canyon State Park offers hiking trails, camping facilities, and the opportunity to explore the remnants of this once-bustling mining community. The park provides a poignant reminder of the cycles of boom and bust that characterized many towns in the American West.
Ancho – Returning to Nature:
Located in Lincoln County, Ancho is a quintessential ghost town that has been slowly reclaimed by the surrounding desert landscape. Once a thriving railroad stop and ranching community, Ancho’s fortunes declined as transportation routes shifted and economic opportunities dried up. Today, only a few crumbling buildings remain, serving as a haunting reminder of the town’s past. Walking through the deserted streets of Ancho, one can almost hear the echoes of the past, the sounds of trains rumbling through and the voices of the residents who once called this place home.
Coal Mining Towns of the Vermejo Park Ranch:
The Vermejo Park Ranch, a vast and pristine wilderness area in northern New Mexico, holds the secrets of several former coal mining towns. These towns, including Blossburg, Brilliant, Gardiner, Koehler, and Swastika, were established to support the coal mining operations that fueled the region’s industrial growth. Each town had its own unique character and story, but all shared the common fate of decline and abandonment as the coal mines were exhausted. Today, the remnants of these towns stand as silent witnesses to the rise and fall of the coal industry in New Mexico.
Chloride – Center of the Apache Mining District:
Perched high in the Black Range Mountains of Sierra County, Chloride was once a bustling silver mining town that served as the hub of the Apache Mining District. Founded in the late 19th century, Chloride attracted prospectors and entrepreneurs from far and wide, eager to strike it rich in the silver mines. The town boasted a lively main street, complete with saloons, stores, and hotels. Today, Chloride has been partially restored and is home to a small community of artists and history enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the historic buildings, visit the local museum, and experience the charm of this authentic New Mexico mining town.
Colfax – An Unsuccessful Prospect:
Located in Colfax County, the town of Colfax was founded with high hopes of becoming a major mining center. However, despite the initial optimism, the mining operations proved to be largely unsuccessful, and the town quickly declined. Today, Colfax is a true ghost town, with only a few crumbling buildings remaining to mark its former location.
The Ghosts of Dawson:
Dawson, nestled in Colfax County, is a haunting reminder of the dangers of coal mining. This former company town was once home to thousands of miners and their families, but tragedy struck in 1923 when a devastating explosion ripped through the mine, claiming the lives of hundreds of workers. The cemetery at Dawson stands as a poignant memorial to those who lost their lives in the disaster. Today, the ghosts of Dawson serve as a reminder of the human cost of industrial progress.
Dilia – On the Old Alignment of Route 66:
Located along the historic Route 66 in Guadalupe County, Dilia was once a popular stop for travelers making their way across the country. The town boasted a gas station, a motel, and a restaurant, catering to the needs of weary motorists. However, when Route 66 was bypassed by the Interstate highway system, Dilia’s fortunes declined, and the town gradually faded away. Today, Dilia is a virtually abandoned ghost town, with only a few crumbling buildings remaining to mark its former location.
Elizabethtown – Gone But Not Forgotten:
Once a booming gold mining town in Colfax County, Elizabethtown was briefly the county seat and a center of commerce and activity. Its prominence was short-lived, however, as the gold deposits dwindled, and the town’s population declined. Despite its brief moment in the spotlight, Elizabethtown remains an important part of New Mexico’s mining history.
Endee to San Jon – Ghostly Stretch of 66:
This stretch of old Route 66 in Quay County is dotted with the remnants of towns that once thrived on the highway traffic. Endee and San Jon, once bustling communities, now stand as quiet reminders of a bygone era.
Forts of New Mexico:
New Mexico’s history is intertwined with its military presence. Several forts were established throughout the state to protect settlers, control Native American populations, and maintain order. Fort Union, in particular, played a crucial role in safeguarding the Santa Fe Trail.
Ghosts Beyond Tucumcari:
The area surrounding Tucumcari, in Quay County, is home to several smaller ghost towns, including Montoya, Newkirk, and Cuervo. These communities once served as agricultural and ranching centers, but their populations dwindled as farming practices changed and transportation routes shifted.
Ghosts of Abo (Pueblo Ruins and Ghost Town):
The Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument preserves the ruins of several ancient Pueblo villages, including Abo. These villages were inhabited by Native Americans for centuries before being abandoned in the 17th century. The ruins offer a glimpse into the lives and culture of the ancient Pueblo people.
Glenrio – A Route 66 Casualty:
Straddling the border between New Mexico and Texas, Glenrio was a quintessential Route 66 town, offering gas, food, and lodging to travelers. When Interstate 40 bypassed the town, Glenrio became a ghost town, its businesses shuttered and its residents departed.
Hachita – Old and New:
Located in Grant County, Hachita is a town with a long and varied history. Originally a stagecoach stop and later a mining center, Hachita has experienced periods of boom and bust. Today, Hachita is a small but resilient community, working to preserve its past while embracing the future.
Indian Country Ghost Towns:
Several ghost towns in New Mexico are located within or near Native American reservations. These towns, including Budville, Cubero, McCartys, and San Fidel, often have complex histories, reflecting the interactions between Native American and European American cultures.
Jicarilla – Still Gold in Them Thar Hills:
Located in Lincoln County, Jicarilla was once a gold mining camp that attracted prospectors from far and wide. Although the gold deposits were eventually exhausted, the town’s name evokes the romance and excitement of the mining era.
Lake Valley – Silver Mining Heydays:
Lake Valley, in Sierra County, experienced a silver mining boom in the late 19th century, becoming one of the richest silver producing areas in the United States. The town’s fortunes declined when the silver deposits were depleted, but its historic buildings remain as a reminder of its prosperous past.
Lincoln – Wild Wild West Frozen in Time:
Lincoln, in Lincoln County, is perhaps best known for its association with Billy the Kid and the Lincoln County War. The town’s historic buildings have been carefully preserved, offering visitors a glimpse into the Wild West era.
McKinley County Ghosts:
McKinley County is home to several ghost towns that reflect the region’s diverse history, including mining, ranching, and Native American culture.
Mills – A Shell of Memories:
Mills, in Harding County, was once a thriving agricultural center, but its population declined as farming practices changed and economic opportunities shifted. Today, Mills is a ghost town, its empty buildings standing as a shell of its former self.
Mogollon – Surviving All Odds:
Perched high in the Mogollon Mountains of Catron County, Mogollon is a former gold and silver mining town that has managed to survive despite numerous challenges. The town’s remote location and rugged terrain have helped to preserve its historic character.
Monticello Canyon Ghost Towns – Placita and Monticello:
The Monticello Canyon in Sierra County is home to two ghost towns, Placita and Monticello, which once served as agricultural and ranching centers. These communities declined as farming practices changed and transportation routes shifted.
Nara Visa – A Picturesque Ghost Town:
Located in Quay County, Nara Visa is a picturesque ghost town that once thrived as a railroad stop and agricultural center. The town’s empty buildings and wide-open spaces evoke a sense of solitude and nostalgia.
Ocate, New Mexico – On the Santa Fe Trail:
Ocate, in Mora County, was a stop on the Santa Fe Trail, serving as a trading post and a supply center for travelers and settlers. Today, Ocate is a small but historic community, preserving its connection to the Santa Fe Trail.
Rayado, New Mexico – On the Santa Fe Trail:
Rayado, also in Colfax County, was another important stop on the Santa Fe Trail. The town was established by Lucien Maxwell, a prominent businessman and landowner, and served as a ranching and agricultural center.
Shakespeare – Born Again and Again:
Shakespeare, in Hidalgo County, has experienced several periods of boom and bust, as mining operations have waxed and waned. The town has been "born again" several times, but each time it has eventually returned to its ghost town status.
Steins – A Railroad Ghost Town:
Steins, also in Hidalgo County, was a railroad town that served as a division point and a supply center. When the railroad shifted its operations, Steins became a ghost town, its buildings abandoned and its residents departed.
Tiptonville – Extinct on the Santa Fe Trail:
Tiptonville, in San Miguel County, was another stop on the Santa Fe Trail that eventually faded into obscurity. The town’s location on the trail was not enough to sustain it, and it eventually became extinct.
Turquoise Trail Scenic Byway:
The Turquoise Trail Scenic Byway connects several historic mining towns and villages, including Golden, Los Cerrillos, and Madrid. This scenic route offers visitors a glimpse into New Mexico’s rich mining heritage and its unique cultural landscape.
Golden, New Mexico Has Seen Better Days:
Golden, in Santa Fe County, was one of the first gold mining towns in New Mexico. The town experienced a brief boom in the 19th century, but its fortunes declined as the gold deposits were depleted.
Los Cerrillos – Two Thousand Years of History:
Los Cerrillos, also in Santa Fe County, has a history that stretches back over two thousand years. The area was first inhabited by Native Americans, who mined turquoise for trade and ceremonial purposes. Later, the Spanish arrived, and the town became a center of agriculture and ranching.
Madrid – A Ghost Town Reborn:
Madrid, on the Turquoise Trail, was once a coal mining town that supplied fuel to the region’s railroads and industries. When the coal mines closed, Madrid became a ghost town, but it has since been reborn as an artists’ community and a tourist destination.
White Oaks -Liveliest Town in the Territory:
White Oaks, in Lincoln County, was once a thriving gold mining town that attracted prospectors and entrepreneurs from far and wide. The town boasted a lively main street, complete with saloons, stores, and hotels.
Winston – Mining & Ranching in Sierra County:
Winston, in Sierra County, was a center of both mining and ranching activity. The town’s economy was based on the extraction of minerals and the raising of livestock.
Take nothing but photos – leave nothing but footprints – break nothing but silence – kill nothing but time.
–Explorer’s Code
These ghost towns & mining camps of New Mexico are fragile remnants of a bygone era. When visiting these sites, it is important to respect the environment and the history of the place. The "Explorer’s Code" serves as a reminder to tread lightly and leave no trace, preserving these historical treasures for future generations to appreciate.