Monticello Canyon Ghost Towns – Placita & Monticello, New Mexico
Nestled along a picturesque stretch of the Geronimo Trail Scenic Byway, approximately 24 miles northwest of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, lie the historic, yet partially inhabited, settlements of Placita and Monticello. These communities, both exceeding 150 years in age, originated as vital farming and ranching hubs within the fertile embrace of Monticello Canyon. Their stories, etched into the very landscape, offer a glimpse into New Mexico’s rich past. These ghost towns of Monticello Canyon Ghost Towns – Placita & Monticello, New Mexico are remnants of a bygone era.
Placita, New Mexico: A Little Plaza with Enduring Spirit
Journeying along New Mexico Highway 142, you’ll discover the unassuming community of Placita. Its name, derived from the Spanish term for "Little Plaza," hints at its origins as a small, centralized settlement. Founded in the 1840s by the Sedilla family, Placita hugs the banks of the Canada Alamosa River. What sets Placita apart from a true ghost town is its continued vibrancy. Several residents, some direct descendants of the original Sedilla family, still call Placita home, cultivating the land through traditional farming and ranching practices. The essence of Monticello Canyon Ghost Towns – Placita & Monticello, New Mexico is perfectly encapsulated in Placita’s story.
The most prominent landmark in Placita is undoubtedly the San Lorenzo Catholic Church. Erected in 1916, this architectural gem stands as a testament to the enduring faith of the community. Remarkably well-preserved, the church continues to serve its parishioners, its bell ringing out across the valley, a sound that echoes through generations.
Beyond the church, Placita reveals a collection of homes in varying states of repair. Some stand proudly, showcasing the care and dedication of their owners, while others bear the marks of time and the harsh New Mexico climate. Among these structures, one can discern the remnants of an old dance hall, a testament to the community’s social life in its prime. Another building hints at a past life as either a schoolhouse or perhaps another church, its original purpose now shrouded in the mists of time. These remnants of Monticello Canyon Ghost Towns – Placita & Monticello, New Mexico offer a glimpse into the past.
Monticello, New Mexico: From Fortress to Farming Community
A mere two miles further north from Placita lies Monticello. The road connecting the two settlements is dotted with a mixture of weathered buildings, grazing cattle, and rustic corrals, painting a picture of rural New Mexico life. Monticello’s history is even more layered than that of its neighbor. Initially named Canada Alamosa, meaning "Canyon of the Cottonwoods," the settlement was established in 1856 by farmers and ranchers drawn to the fertile valley. The narrative of Monticello Canyon Ghost Towns – Placita & Monticello, New Mexico is one of resilience.
What distinguishes Monticello’s early history is its unique defensive design. The settlement was deliberately constructed in a square formation, a strategic measure to protect its residents from attacks by the Apache, who inhabited the nearby Warm Springs Apache territory. The central plaza, a hub of community life, housed a church and various businesses. This plaza was fortified by thick adobe walls, punctuated with strategically placed gun sight holes, transforming the settlement into a formidable defensive structure.
Ironically, Monticello’s role shifted dramatically in the years that followed. In a twist of fate, the town became the headquarters for the Southern Apache Agency in the early 1870s. As part of the U.S. government’s policy of forced relocation, some 500 Apache were "rounded up" and housed in Monticello before a permanent post was established at nearby Ojo Caliente in 1874. This chapter in Monticello’s history serves as a poignant reminder of the complex and often tragic interactions between settlers and Native American tribes in the American West.
In 1881, Monticello officially gained a post office and underwent a name change. The new name honored John Sullivan, one of the town’s earliest settlers. Sullivan, originally from Monticello, New York, had arrived in the area as a member of the U.S. Army. He eventually chose to make Monticello his home, marrying a local woman and becoming an integral part of the community.
Today, the thick adobe walls that once encircled the plaza have vanished, eroded by time and the elements. However, remnants of the foundation can still be discerned within what is now a small community park, a subtle reminder of Monticello’s fortified past.
The San Ignacio Catholic Church, built in 1867, continues to stand sentinel on the north side of the park. Like its counterpart in Placita, this historic church remains an active place of worship, serving the spiritual needs of the local community.
Monticello, like Placita, is a mixture of preservation and decay. Numerous homes and old businesses still stand, some meticulously maintained, others succumbing to the relentless forces of nature. The crumbling walls of a large school, built in 1935 by the Works Progress Administration (WPA), serve as a stark reminder of the town’s more prosperous past. A short distance northwest of the historic plaza, an old cemetery overlooks the town, its graves dating back to the 1700s, a silent testament to the generations who have called Monticello home.
Echoes of the Past, Seeds of the Future
The fertile valley that once supported over 1,000 families now provides a livelihood for less than 100. These remaining residents continue to engage in ranching and manage a number of organic farms, producing a variety of fruits, vegetables, and herbal health and beauty products. They are the inheritors of a rich agricultural tradition, adapting to the challenges of the modern world while preserving the spirit of their ancestors. Monticello Canyon Ghost Towns – Placita & Monticello, New Mexico are not just relics of the past; they are living landscapes, shaped by history and inhabited by people who are deeply connected to the land.
Visiting Monticello and Placita: A Word of Caution
Before embarking on a journey to Monticello and Placita, it is crucial to remember that all properties within these historic communities are privately owned. Respect for private property is paramount. Furthermore, there are no services available in the immediate area. Visitors should ensure they have a full tank of gas and any other necessary supplies before venturing into Monticello Canyon.
A visit to Monticello and Placita is a journey back in time, an opportunity to witness the enduring spirit of rural New Mexico. While these communities may be considered ghost towns in some respects, they are far from lifeless. They are living museums, where history and heritage are interwoven with the daily lives of the people who continue to call them home. The tale of Monticello Canyon Ghost Towns – Placita & Monticello, New Mexico is a unique look at the Southwest.