Hachita, New Mexico – Old and New
Nestled in the rugged landscape of southwestern New Mexico, where the arid plains meet the imposing Little Hatchet Mountains, lies Hachita, a place where echoes of the past resonate amidst the quietude of the present. This unassuming locale, a testament to the boom-and-bust cycles of the American West, offers a glimpse into the intertwined histories of mining, railroads, revolution, and resilience. Hachita, New Mexico, is more than just a dot on the map; it’s a living narrative etched into the very soil of the Land of Enchantment.
The story of Hachita begins not in its present location but several miles to the west, in what is now known as Old Hachita. Around 1875, prospectors, drawn by the allure of precious metals, established a mining camp. Silver, lead, and copper were the lifeblood of this nascent community, extracted from the earth with arduous labor and unwavering hope. The very name "Hachita," derived from the Spanish word for "little hatchet," is a nod to the distinctive shape of the nearby mountains that provided the town’s initial sustenance.
By 1884, Hachita had blossomed into a bustling settlement of approximately 300 residents. Steam smelting works processed the ore, transforming raw minerals into valuable commodities. Several saloons offered respite and camaraderie to weary miners, while two general stores supplied the necessities of frontier life. Numerous mining companies, fueled by investment and ambition, operated in the area, their activities driving the town’s growth and prosperity. Life in the early days of Hachita, New Mexico, was far from idyllic. The relentless desert heat posed a constant challenge, and the ever-present threat of Apache raids instilled a sense of unease and danger. Despite these hardships, the residents persevered, establishing productive mines such as the Hornet, the King, and the American, leaving their mark on the land and contributing to the region’s economic development.
However, the initial boom was destined to be short-lived. As the 1890s approached, the ore deposits began to dwindle, signaling a decline in mining activity. The population of Hachita plummeted to around 25 by 1890, a stark reminder of the ephemeral nature of resource-dependent economies. The post office, a vital link to the outside world, managed to hold on for a few more years before finally closing its doors in 1898. The original settlement of Hachita, New Mexico, faced an uncertain future.
The dawn of the 20th century brought a significant shift in the fortunes of Hachita. In 1902, the El Paso and Southwestern Railroad laid tracks approximately nine miles east of the original mining camp. This development led to the emergence of a new settlement, which, in a curious twist of fate, adopted the name of the fading mining town. Thus, "New Hachita" was born, and the original settlement became known as "Old Hachita." The railroad quickly became the lifeblood of the new community, attracting people and businesses and creating a divide between the residents of the two Hachitas.
The establishment of a post office in the new location further solidified its position as the dominant settlement. Saloons, stores, and a hotel sprang up, catering to the needs of the railroad workers and the growing population. The El Paso and Southwestern Rail line met in Hachita, the other being the Lordsburg & Hachita Railroad, making it a crucial transportation hub for the region. While Old Hachita continued its mining operations until the 1920s, the decline in silver prices eventually led to its complete abandonment, transforming it into a ghost town, a silent testament to a bygone era.
During the tumultuous years of the Mexican Revolution in the early 1900s, Hachita played an unexpected role as a refuge for displaced communities. In August 1912, approximately 800 residents of Colonia Diaz, a Mormon community located about 80 miles south of the border, fled Mexico due to pressure from President Francisco Madero. They sought safety and security in Hachita, finding temporary shelter and assistance. With the support of the U.S. government, most of the refugees eventually relocated to other areas, but a small number remained in Hachita, becoming permanent residents and contributing to the town’s cultural fabric.
The new Hachita also served as a strategic base during the "Punitive Expedition," launched in 1916 in response to Pancho Villa’s raid on Columbus, New Mexico. General John J. "Black Jack" Pershing led two columns of troops, including infantry, cavalry, field artillery, and signal detachments, from both Columbus and Hachita, embarking on a mission to capture Villa and his men in northern Mexico. The U.S. established Camp Shannon at Hachita, housing over 400 troops. The presence of the military brought economic benefits to the town, injecting revenue and stimulating local businesses until the camp’s closure in 1922.
Adding a touch of outlaw lore to its history, Hachita became home to William E. Walters, also known as Bill Anderson, Billy Brown, and Bronco Bill, in 1917. Walters, a former cowboy and bandit who had once ridden with the infamous Black Jack Ketchum Gang, sought refuge in Hachita after being released from prison. He found work as a wrangler for the Diamond A Cattle Company, living a relatively quiet life until his untimely death after falling from a windmill tower.
Hachita reached its peak population in 1920, with over 750 residents. In the 1930s, the Works Progress Administration (WPA) constructed schoolhouses in Hachita, providing educational opportunities for the community’s children. However, the closure of the Lordsburg and Hachita Railroad in 1934 dealt a significant blow to the town’s economy. While there was a brief resurgence during World War II due to rising precious metal prices, the improvements to highways after the war led to a drastic decline in rail freight and passenger service. The once-thriving railroad town began to fade into obscurity.
The El Paso and Southwestern Railroad continued operations on a smaller scale until the last train passed through Hachita in 1961. By 1970, the town’s population had dwindled to around 30 residents, a mere fraction of its former glory.
In a remarkable turn of events, Hachita experienced a unique cultural revival in the 1970s. Daniel Suozzi, a retired businessman from Buffalo, New York, purchased the former high school building and embarked on a mission to transform it into a magnificent church. Over several years, he meticulously remodeled the structure, incorporating exquisite artifacts and artistic elements. He erected a 45-foot bell tower, installing two 800-pound solid bronze bells cast in 1902. The church’s interior was adorned with beautiful Stations of the Cross crafted in Germany in 1830, hand-cast plaster and hand-painted, each weighing about 150 pounds. Wrought iron lamps illuminated the space, and the confessional and altars were crafted with exceptional quality.
In December 1982, after years of dedicated work, the church was dedicated, and the first mass was celebrated. Suozzi named it Saint Catherine of Sienna in honor of his mother’s patron saint. For several decades, the church served the spiritual needs of the surrounding community, but unfortunately, it was eventually abandoned due to the continued decline in population.
Today, Hachita, New Mexico, presents a blend of past and present. The streets remain unpaved, and many of the buildings stand unused and deteriorating, bearing witness to the passage of time. However, the town retains a sense of life, with a post office, a convenience store/gas station, and a handful of resilient residents who call Hachita home. At the original settlement of Old Hachita, visitors can still explore the remnants of the past, including an old headframe and crumbling adobe buildings, offering a tangible connection to the town’s mining heritage.
Primarily a ranching community, Hachita is located on New Mexico Highway 9, approximately 44 miles west of Columbus. The ruins of Old Hachita can be found nine miles further west, south on an unpaved, unnamed road off Highway 9.