Jicarilla, New Mexico – Still Gold in Them Thar Hills
Nestled approximately 12 miles northeast of White Oaks, New Mexico, accessible via an unpaved Forest Road, lies the remnants of Jicarilla, New Mexico, a testament to the allure of gold and the enduring spirit of the American West. This historic settlement, named for the surrounding mountains, whispers tales of prospectors, hardscrabble miners, and dreams of striking it rich. While the boom days have long passed, the echoes of its past resonate in the weathered buildings and the rugged landscape, a reminder that there might still be gold in them thar hills.
The story of Jicarilla, New Mexico begins around 1850, predating its formal establishment as a town. Local Hispanic settlers, familiar with the land’s secrets, were the first to recognize the potential hidden within the mountain streams. Using simple yet effective tools – wooden bowls known as "bateas" – they painstakingly separated the glittering gold from the surrounding sediment. This early placer mining, though modest in scale, laid the foundation for the settlement that would eventually emerge.
The 1880s brought a new wave of hopefuls to the area. Drawn by rumors of gold and the promise of a better life, prospectors from various backgrounds joined the local miners. They ventured deeper into the mountains, searching for the elusive source of the placer gold. As more people arrived, a small community began to take shape, tentatively christened Jicarilla, New Mexico. Life in those early days was undoubtedly challenging. The population remained small, hovering around 200 individuals, who carved out a living in rudimentary shacks and homes scattered across the landscape. Despite the hardships, a sense of community began to flourish, fueled by shared dreams and the camaraderie of those seeking fortune in the wilderness. Recognizing the growing need for communication and connection to the outside world, a post office was officially established in 1892, solidifying Jicarilla’s place on the map.
As the 20th century dawned, Jicarilla, New Mexico, slowly began to evolve from a collection of scattered dwellings into a more organized village. By the early 1900s, the town boasted a general store, providing essential supplies and provisions to the residents. A saloon emerged as a central gathering place, offering respite from the arduous work and a venue for socializing and sharing stories. Recognizing the need for law and order, a Justice of the Peace was appointed to maintain peace and resolve disputes within the community. The year 1907 marked a significant milestone for Jicarilla with the construction of a schoolhouse. This building served not only as an educational institution for the town’s children but also as a church and a versatile meeting place for various community events. It became the heart of Jicarilla, a symbol of progress and a testament to the residents’ commitment to building a better future.
The Great Depression of the 1930s brought unexpected changes to the fortunes of Jicarilla, New Mexico. While much of the nation suffered from economic hardship, the small village experienced a period of growth. Destitute families, displaced by the widespread economic downturn, sought refuge in Jicarilla, hoping to find a means of survival. The promise of even meager earnings was enough to attract newcomers, and the town’s population swelled to its peak of approximately 300 residents. Miners during this time could earn around $7 per week, a modest sum but enough to provide a basic livelihood. Many supplemented their diets by hunting local game, relying on the resources of the surrounding wilderness to make ends meet. However, this period of growth was temporary. As the national economy gradually recovered, people began to leave Jicarilla once again, seeking opportunities in more prosperous areas.
The post office, a vital link to the outside world, remained in operation until 1942. Its closure marked a turning point for Jicarilla, signaling its gradual decline. Over time, the residents dwindled, and the town slowly faded into obscurity. Today, Jicarilla, New Mexico, stands as an uninhabited ghost town, a silent witness to a bygone era. Only a handful of buildings remain, weathered and worn by the passage of time, yet still evocative of the town’s rich history. Among the surviving structures is the old schoolhouse, a testament to the community’s commitment to education and a reminder of the many gatherings and events that once took place within its walls. The false-front building that once housed the store, post office, and assay office still stands, a tangible link to the town’s commercial and administrative past. Several old homes also remain, their empty windows gazing out upon a landscape that has changed little over the decades. A short distance south of the school lies the Jicarilla cemetery, the final resting place for many of the town’s residents, a poignant reminder of the lives lived and the dreams pursued in this remote corner of New Mexico.
Despite its abandonment, the spirit of Jicarilla, New Mexico, endures. The surrounding mountains continue to hold the promise of undiscovered riches, and prospectors have never entirely abandoned their search for gold. Even today, there are several active mining claims in the area, a testament to the enduring allure of the precious metal. The dream of striking it rich, of uncovering a hidden vein of gold, continues to draw individuals to this rugged landscape, keeping the spirit of Jicarilla alive.
For those who venture to explore the area, the unpaved Forest Road that leads to Jicarilla offers a glimpse into the past. Continuing northwest for approximately eight miles, the road leads to the ghost town of Ancho, another relic of New Mexico’s mining history. Alternatively, traveling southwest will bring you to the ghost town of White Oaks, a once-thriving community that has also been largely abandoned. Despite its unpaved surface, the Forest Road is generally well-maintained and can be traversed by most vehicles, allowing visitors to experience the beauty and history of this remote region.
The story of Jicarilla, New Mexico, is a microcosm of the American West, a tale of hope, hardship, and the enduring allure of gold. While the town may be deserted, its legacy lives on in the weathered buildings, the rugged landscape, and the stories whispered on the wind. It is a place where the past is palpable, where the echoes of miners’ picks and the laughter of children still resonate, a reminder that even in the quietest of places, there is always a story to be told.