Golden, New Mexico – Has Seen Better Days
Nestled along the scenic Turquoise Trail in Santa Fe County, New Mexico, lies the unincorporated community of Golden, New Mexico, a place where the echoes of a vibrant past resonate through the quietude of the present. The landscape, painted in hues of ochre and sage, whispers tales of gold rushes, bustling saloons, and the dreams of fortune seekers. While time has weathered its prosperity, Golden, New Mexico, retains a captivating charm, a testament to its rich history and enduring spirit. The air itself feels thick with stories, inviting visitors to step back in time and imagine a bygone era.
Before the arrival of American settlers, the area surrounding Golden, New Mexico, was inhabited by Native American tribes and later, by Spanish explorers. These early inhabitants left their mark on the land, paving the way for the events that would ultimately shape Golden’s destiny. However, it was the allure of gold that truly ignited the town’s rapid growth.
The year was 1825 when the glimmer of gold first sparked excitement in this remote corner of New Mexico. Long before the famed gold rushes of California and Colorado, Golden’s discovery marked the first gold rush west of the Mississippi River. Placer gold, easily extracted from surface deposits, was initially found along Tuerto Creek, situated on the southwest side of the Ortiz Mountains. This discovery led to the swift establishment of two small mining camps in the late 1820s: El Real de San Francisco and Placer del Tuerto. These rudimentary settlements served as the initial nucleus of what would become Golden, New Mexico.
For several decades, life in the area remained relatively tranquil, characterized by small-scale mining operations and a close-knit community. However, this period of calm was disrupted when large companies recognized the potential of the mines and began to invest heavily in the area. This influx of capital brought with it a wave of workers, followed by individual prospectors eager to strike it rich. The population swelled, transforming the landscape and the character of the region.
Reflecting the growing population, the San Francisco Catholic Church was constructed around 1830, its adobe walls standing as a testament to the community’s faith and resilience. This church, a simple yet elegant structure, served as a focal point for the miners and their families, providing spiritual solace and a sense of belonging in a rugged and often unforgiving environment. The church remains standing today, a symbol of Golden’s enduring heritage and a poignant reminder of its vibrant past.
As mining operations expanded and the population grew, a new town began to take shape just south of Tuerto Creek. This town, christened Golden, quickly eclipsed the older settlements of El Real de San Francisco and Placer del Tuerto, eventually absorbing them into its burgeoning boundaries. Officially established in 1879, Golden, New Mexico, was strategically chosen as the central hub of the burgeoning gold-mining district.
The town experienced a period of rapid growth and prosperity. Numerous saloons sprang up to cater to the thirsty miners, while general stores and businesses provided essential goods and services. A school was established to educate the growing number of children, and even a stock exchange was created to facilitate the trading of mining shares. In 1880, a post office was opened, solidifying Golden’s status as a legitimate and thriving community. The town bustled with activity, a testament to the promise of wealth and opportunity that drew people from far and wide.
However, the prosperity of Golden, New Mexico, was not destined to last. By 1884, the initial excitement surrounding the gold discovery began to wane as the easily accessible placer deposits became depleted. The gold, once abundant, began to dwindle, leading to a gradual exodus of miners and their families. The boom that had fueled Golden’s rapid growth was coming to an end.
Despite the decline in gold production, mining continued on a smaller scale until around 1892. Ranching also emerged as a vital part of the local economy, providing a more stable and sustainable source of income for some residents. In 1918, Ernest Ricon opened the Golden General Merchandise Store, a testament to the enduring spirit of the community. This store, which later became known as the Henderson General Store, served as a vital lifeline for the remaining residents, providing essential supplies and a sense of continuity in a town that was slowly fading away.
By 1928, the population of Golden, New Mexico, had dwindled to such a low point that the post office was forced to close. This marked a significant turning point in the town’s history, officially signaling its transition into a ghost town. Abandoned buildings, once symbols of prosperity and ambition, began to crumble and decay, standing as silent witnesses to the town’s faded glory.
Vandalism and neglect further accelerated the decline of Golden’s remaining structures. However, despite the ravages of time and the destructive forces of human activity, a few crumbling ruins still stand as a testament to the town’s enduring legacy, offering excellent photographic opportunities for visitors seeking a glimpse into the past.
Perhaps the most iconic and frequently photographed structure in Golden, New Mexico, is the San Francisco Catholic Church. In 1960, the church underwent a significant restoration under the guidance of historian and author Fray Angelico Chavez, who was serving as the St. Joseph Church’s padre in Los Cerrillos at the time. This restoration helped to preserve the church’s architectural integrity and ensured that it would continue to serve as a symbol of Golden’s enduring spirit. Across the highway, west of the church, lie the ruins of another large structure and remnants of the town’s mining past, further enriching the historical tapestry of the area.
In recent years, Golden, New Mexico, has experienced a small rebirth as new residents have moved into the area, drawn by its tranquil setting, historical charm, and proximity to the Turquoise Trail. These newcomers have invested in restoring existing homes and building new ones, breathing new life into the community. Despite these positive developments, Golden remains a sleepy village, a far cry from the bustling mining town it once was. However, its vivid reminders of a more robust past continue to captivate visitors and residents alike.
In addition to its mining history, the area surrounding Golden is also rich in archaeological significance. Nearby are the traceable ruins of Paa-Ko, an ancient pueblo that dates back to around 1300 A.D. This pueblo, which was abandoned around 1670, provides valuable insights into the lives and culture of the region’s early inhabitants. Although little remains visible to the untrained eye, the site has been utilized for archaeological digs by universities and researchers, contributing to our understanding of the area’s rich history. The site was designated as a New Mexico State Monument in 1938 but was decommissioned in 1959. It’s located just north of the Crest turnoff.
Today, Golden, New Mexico, serves as a poignant reminder of the boom-and-bust cycles that characterized the American West. While its days of gold-fueled prosperity are long gone, the town’s enduring spirit and rich history continue to captivate visitors. The San Francisco Catholic Church, the Henderson General Store, and the crumbling ruins of former businesses stand as silent witnesses to Golden’s vibrant past, inviting visitors to step back in time and imagine the lives of those who once called this remarkable place home. As travelers traverse the Turquoise Trail Scenic Byway, a stop in Golden offers a unique opportunity to connect with the history and heritage of New Mexico, and to appreciate the enduring beauty of a town that has, indeed, seen better days, but whose story continues to resonate through the ages.