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TRAILS SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO
Old West Country... to have new experiences!
SPACEPORT...
(25 M ILES F ROM T
OR
SIERRA COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOP ORGANIZATION 400 WEST 4TH STREET | P.O. BOX 489 - TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES, NM 87901
505.894.9 061 - WWW.SCEDO.ORG
More Reasons to Visit Sierra County...
TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU Coleen - 505.740.6001 • civiccenterdirector@hotmail.com
Paid for in part by Lodgers Tax.
C.)
“The area is dotted with old forts and ghost towns, some re-inhabited and some abandoned forever.�
above: A stone structure built in the 1880s mining community of Lake Valley served as a school, a saloon and finally a general store.
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Old WestCountry
T HE
EXCITEMENT
OF
discovery that filled Southwest New Mexico in the 1800s can still be felt there today. The land is a tapestry of natural wonders, prehistoric ruins and old missions. The 19th century left the area dotted with old army forts and ghost towns, some re-inhabited and some abandoned forever. Amid changing times, the nation continues to choose the modern communities of Old West Country in which to contemplate history, conduct business, seek the arts, develop harmony with Mother Nature and enjoy meaningful retirement. New Mexico’s largest recreational lakes and bird sanctuaries and some of its best mountain streams, trails, wilderness areas and scenic byways help create an enticing quality of life for visitors and residents alike. Those desiring a thoughtful stroll along a peaceful river or seeking challenging mountain trails for hiking and biking find Old West Country offers it all. The state’s largest vineyards and world famous chile contribute to the best Mexican food and steak dinners around. Museums, galleries and theater highlight the region’s cultural scene. Fill the missing pages of your life with the arts, the rugged beauty and intrigue of Southwest New Mexico. Please see detailed map on page OWT9.
OLD WEST COUNTRY
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Old West
T R A I L S
FEATURES
T R A I L S
Old West Country Diverse History Forts, Ghost Towns & Historic Buildings Area Map Area Attractions Mining Towns of Old West Country The Buffalo Soldiers of Fort Bayard From Brush Huts to Brick Homes Great Outdoors
Published exclusively for Old West Country as a supplement to New Mexico Traveler
Old West Country
OUR COVER
THE COMMUNITIES
Socorro’s San Miguel Mission was first established along El Camino Real is the 1600s. Abandoned during the Pueblo Revolt of 1680, Socorro was re-established in 1816.
Southwest New Mexico’s old ghost towns, abandoned forts and mining camps form a historic backdrop for the culture, natural wonder and recreational opportunities that comprise Old West Country today.
SOCORRO COUNTY
Tracking radio waves from deep space and the movements of migratory waterfowl, Socorro County honors its historic past while reaching toward an exciting future. OWT12 SOCORRO OWT14 MAGDALENA
left, from top: A Vietnam veteran’s memorial was erected next to the historic plaza in Socorro. Elephant Butte Lake State Park provides a host of recreational opportunities from parasailing to four-wheeling. A number of the original buildings still stand in the picturesque gold mining town of Mogollon. The Gila Cliff Dwellings located on the edge of the nation’s first Wilderness were constructed by the Tularosa Mogollon culture around A.D. 1280. The railroad ghost town of Steins just west of Lordsburg opens daily for public tours. Rockhound State Park and Visitor Center cater to those who thrive on rocks, minerals and grand vistas.The rugged Organ mountains above Las Cruces include hiking trails and recreational opportunities. right: A bronze sculpture pays tribute to the Buffalo Soldiers stationed at Ft. Selden north of Las Cruces.
SIERRA COUNTY
Nurtured by the Rio Grande and long known to the Native Americans, this modern-day water sports paradise has been a healing oasis for centuries. OWT16 TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES OWT18 ELEPHANT BUTTE
CATRON COUNTY
Colorful Old West history mingles with outdoor activities in the nation’s first designated wilderness area. OWT20 RESERVE, DATIL AND QUEMADO OWT22 MOGOLLON OWT24 GLENWOOD
GRANT COUNTY
Once known for its rich gold and silver deposits, the Grant County of today is rich in history, culture and the arts. OWT26 CLIFF, GILA & BUCKHORN OWT28 SILVER CITY OWT34 TRAIL OF THE MOUNTAIN SPIRITS NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
HIDALGO COUNTY
A haven for historians and Old West aficionados, the Lordsburg area is home to two ghost towns and once accommodated the likes of Billy the Kid, the Clantons, John Ringo and Curley Bill Brocius. OWT36 LORDSBURG
LUNA COUNTY
A rockhound’s dream with access to Mexico, sunny Luna County is the home of fast ducks and friendly people. OWT38 DEMING OWT40 COLUMBUS, NM AND PALOMAS, MEXICO
DOÑA ANA COUNTY
LeAnne Knudsen Erin Oldham
President & Managing Director
Production Coordinator
Joseph Burgess Vice President
Debra Luera Jennifer Rivera
Arlyn Cooley
Designers
Staff Accountant
Lynn Janes Arlene Schadel
Joseph Burgess Brett Ferneau Contributing Writers
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Advertising Sales
Keith LeMay Distribution
2006 OLD WEST TRAILS
Joseph Burgess Photography except where credited
Gary Edwards Geronimo Springs Museum Keith LeMay Mogollon Enterprises by Pakaáge Contributing Photographers
President Andres Giron Catron County Chamber of Commerce
Executive Director Keith LeMay
Serving the communities of: Deming 800 East Pine • Deming, NM 88031 1-800-848-4955 www.demingchamber.com e-mail: chamber@zianet.com
Las Cruces 211 N. Water Street • Las Cruces, NM 88001 1-800-FIESTAS • 505-541-2444
www.lascrucescvb.org • e-mail: cvb@lascruces.org
Lordsburg 117 East 2nd Street • Lordsburg, NM 88045 505-542-9864 www.lordsburghidalgocounty.org/chamber e-mail: lordsburgcoc@aznex.net
Reserve/Glenwood P.O. Box 415 • Reserve, NM 87830 505-533-6116 www.catroncounty.org/chamber e-mail: chambersec@catroncounty.org
P.O. Box 183 • Glenwood, NM 88039 505-539-2711 www.glenwoodnewmexico.com e-mail: glenwoodcoc@gilanet.com
Silver City 201 N. Hudson St. • Silver City, NM 88061 1-800-548-9378 www.silvercity.org e-mail: info@silvercity.org
Socorro/Magdalena P.O. Box Drawer K • Socorro, NM 87801 505-835-8927 www.socorronm.gov e-mail: tourism@socorronm.gov
P.O. Box 281 • Magdalena, NM 87825-0281 Voice 866-854-3217 Fax 800-788-1303 www.magdalena-nm.com e-mail: info@magdalena-nm.com
Truth or Consequences/Elephant Butte P.O. Box 31 Truth or Consequences, NM 87901 505-894-3536 www.truthorconsequencesnm.net e-mail: cofc@riolink.com
Set in a beautiful green valley along the Rio Grande, the 1850s regional headquarters of the Butterfield Stage Line reposes in its historic splendor while offering serene shopping and dining adjacent to the burgeoning activity of New Mexico’s second largest city. OWT44 LAS CRUCES OWT46 MESILLA Terri Menges
P.O. Box 884 • Silver City, NM 88062 1-800-290-8330 Website: www.oldwestcountry.com e-mail: info@oldwestcountry.com
Elephant Butte P.O. Box 1355 Elephant Butte, NM 87935 (505) 744-4708
www.elephantbuttecoc.com e-mail: info@elephantbuttecoc.com
Old West Trails is a supplement to New Mexico Traveler and is manufactured and printed in the United States of America. ©Zia Publishing Corp. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without permission of the publisher is prohibited. All submissions of editorial or photography are only accepted without risk to the publisher for loss or damage. Every effort was made to ensure accuracy in the information pro-
www.oldwestcountry.com
vided. The publisher assumes no responsibility or liability for errors, changes or omissions. Old West Trails is published annually by Zia Publishing Corp. 611 N. Hudson Silver City, NM 88061 Phone: 505-956-1560 Fax: 505-956-1580 e-mail: info@ziapublishing.com www.ziapublishing.com
Southwest Region 2 Mike Trumbull Chair, Las Cruces George Pintar Vice-Chair, Las Cruces Susan LaFont Secretary, Elephant Butte Other region members: Stella Dante Las Cruces Sally Haigler Socorro Keith LeMay Silver City
DIVERSE HISTORY
THE SPIRIT OF THE OLD WEST LIVES ON THE GOVERNMENTS OF SPAIN AND LATER Mexico had interests in Old West Country, as did the region’s original native inhabitants. When mining activity increased there and American settlers continued their westward migration, conflicts were inevitable. In an effort to protect the growing population of miners and settlers from Apache depredations, a line of forts under the authority of the U.S. Cavalry was established across the area. Ft. Selden near Las Cruces, Ft. Craig between Socorro and Truth or Consequences, Ft. Webster at Santa Rita and in the Mimbres, Ft. Cummings near Deming, and Ft. Bayard near Silver City are among those playing important roles in the late 1800s. Settlers moved along El Camino Real through Socorro, Truth or Consequences and Mesilla and westward along the Butterfield Trail from El Paso and Mesilla, through the Deming and Lordsburg areas to California. Noteworthy Old West characters include Billy the Kid, who was raised in Silver City and first jailed in Mesilla, and Pancho Villa, who attacked the United States at Columbus. Area Apache leaders include Geronimo, Victorio, Mangas Coloradas and Cochise. Elfego Baca made a name for himself by holding off 80 Texas cowboys in Reserve, and Butch Cassidy and his gang hid out for a time near Glenwood. Shakespeare, near Lordsburg, lays claim to a whole host of interesting and unsavory characters including the Clantons, Curley Bill and Russian Bill, just to mention a few. Mesilla served as regional headquarters for the Confederate Army and was the site where the Gadsden Purchase was ratified. Reenactments are scheduled throughout the year at Mesilla, Shakespeare, Socorro, Ft. Selden and Ft. Bayard.
left, top to bottom: Early Spanish colonizers followed the Rio Grande valley as it passed from present-day El Paso and through Las Cruces, Truth or Consequences, Socorro and on to Santa Fe. A towering monument marks the entrance to El Camino Real International Heritage Center between Truth or Consequences and Socorro. Modern Mining on a grand scale near Silver City can be observed at the Santa Rita copper pit, which was initiated by a Spanish soldier in 1803. Quarai is one of three major Indian pueblo and Spanish mission sites included in the Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument northeast of Socorro. The other two sites are Abo and Gran Quivira. Elephant Butte Lake State Park on the Rio Grande near the cities of Elephant Butte and Truth or Consequences is one of the state’s largest recreational facilities providing boating and camping opportunities. right, top to bottom: Architecture in Silver City’s historic district is representative of the area’s metal mining booms beginning in the late 1800s. Deming vineyards are the largest suppliers of grapes to the wineries of New Mexico and West Texas. The railroad ghost town of Steins, west of Lordsburg includes collections of tools, utensils and critters utilized by early residents. Hatch, Deming and Las Cruces strive to satisfy the nation’s insatiable appetite for New Mexico chile.
DIVERSE HISTORY
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FORTS
Obtain directions and other information locally.
DOÑA ANA COUNTY
FORTS
&
GHOST TOWNS HISTORIC
BUILDINGS
FORT SELDEN A State Monument including the fort ruins, a visitors center and a museum. Open May 1 through September 15.
GRANT COUNTY
FORT BAYARD A medical facility and National Cemetery listed on the National Register of Historic Places. SANTA RITA DEL COBRE FORT A replica of Fort Webster located in Pinos Altos.
LUNA COUNTY
THE MANY GHOST TOWNS, HISTORIC BUILDINGS AND RUINS
FORT CUMMINGS Ruins maintained by the Bureau of Land Management. A railroad springhouse and ruins of a Butterfield stage station from the same era stand nearby.
of old cavalry forts still standing in Old West Country serve as reminders of a time
SOCORRO COUNTY
when western life was simpler, harsher and often shorter. Nearly two hundred mining camps, stage stops, farming and ranching communities and railroad towns suddenly sprang to life here in the 1800s. Many flourished for a few years and then were abandoned as fortunes changed, while some remained sparsely populated and others are being reborn today. A number of the communities that survived to the present day have well-maintained historic districts that feature the architecture of that bygone era. While much lore abounds regarding western peacekeepers and their Colt Peacemakers, the towns of the day often had to make do without formal law enforcement. At Shakespeare, a Butterfield Stage relay south of Lordsburg, locals adhered to a strict but unwritten rule: If you shot someone in Shakespeare, you were the one that had to bury him. This rule, coupled with the fact that the ground around the town is mostly rock, helped to tone down the mayhem. To protect the settlements and trade routes, over 70 forts, military posts and encampments were established across southern New Mexico. Many, like Fort Craig, were constructed of adobe and rock. Most were abandoned in the late 1800s, but their eroded remains can still be viewed today.
FORT CRAIG A BLM Special Management Area listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it hosts periodic Civil War re-enactments and other living history events.
GHOST TOWNS
Ghost Town Etiquette: While this list was compiled using recent information, New Mexico Traveler cannot guarantee access to these sites or their current conditions. Always inquire locally and always obtain permission before entering private property. Take only photographs; federal law prohibits removal of artifacts.
CATRON COUNTY
CLAIRMONT Two log cabins and a corral remain. FRISCO Site of the Elfego Baca fight. Some ruins remain. MOGOLLON Lightly populated. Many original buildings remain.
DOÑA ANA COUNTY DRIPPING SPRINGS Ruins of a hotel remain.
HIDALGO COUNTY opposite: Walls and bars are all that remain of the 1892 jail and county courthouse in Hillsboro. Originally settled as a result of gold and silver mining activities in Hillsboro and the surrounding area, the picturesque village has become an artist’s haven and the venue for an annual apple festival.
GRANITE GAP Rock mine camp ruins. A fee mineral and treasure hunting site; call 505-495-5012. SHAKESPEARE Restored and maintained, many original buildings remain. Call for tour dates and times, 505-542-9034. STEINS Under restoration, many original buildings remain. Call for tour dates and times, 505-542-9791.
FORTS, GHOST TOWNS & HISTORIC BUILDINGS
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SIERRA COUNTY
CHLORIDE Population 20. Many original buildings remain. CUCHILLO A few buildings remain. The San José Church is still active, and an abandoned dance hall stands next door. GOLD DUST Two structures remain. LAKE VALLEY BLM operated. Walking tours are available, and the schoolhouse is open to the public. A chapel, some old homes and railroad buildings still stand.
SOCORRO COUNTY
KELLY The church and minehead remain. The headframe of the mine was designed by Gustav Eiffel, who designed the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France. Obtain visitor’s pass at the rock shop nearby. SAN ANTONIO The Hilton section is just south of the present-day town. The old post office, another deserted building and ruins remain.
HISTORIC BUILDINGS DOÑA ANA COUNTY
SAN ALBINO CHURCH Originally built around 1600, this beautiful church still holds mass today.
GRANT COUNTY
SILVER CITY MUSEUM The museum is housed in the former H.B. Ailman residence, one of the city’s first houses and later its fire station.
LUNA COUNTY
LUNA COUNTY COURTHOUSE Located in Deming and still in use, the Luna County Courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Deming is home to numerous historic buildings, which can be viewed on a walking tour of the city. Inquire at the Visitor Center.
SIERRA COUNTY
THE PIONEER STORE Located in Chloride, it is on the State List of Historic Buildings and is now a museum.
SOCORRO COUNTY
THE CAPITOL BAR Built on Socorro’s plaza in 1896, it also doubled for a time as a courtroom and jail.
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from top, left to right: The mining ghost town of Mogollon northeast of Glenwood was a major gold mining boomtown. Many buildings from the mining era still stand in Chloride west of Truth or Consequences.Old bottles are part of the railroad ghost town collections found at Steins west of Lordsburg. Military re-enactors are popular at Fort Bayard Days near Silver City. The walls of Fort Selden north of Las Cruces line up like a column of the Buffalo Soldiers who courageously sought to bring peace between Indians and settlers. The Capitol Bar is one of the historic buildings surrounding the plaza in Socorro. ww.oldwestcountry.com
r TouOLD WEST
Country
SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO
Reserve/Glenwood 1 Reserve (C2) 2 Quemado (A2) 3 Pie Town (A3) 4 Plains of San Agustin/Datil (B3-B4) 5 Glenwood (D1) 6 Glenwood Hatchery (D1) 7 The Catwalk (D1) 8 San Francisco Hot Springs (D1) 9 Mogollon (C1) 10 Snow Lake (C2) 11 Gila Wilderness (D2-D3) 12 Outer Loop (C1-D3) a Cooney’s Tomb (C1) b Clairmont (C1) c Frisco (C1)
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Socorro 13 Very Large Array Telescopes (B4) 14 Magdalena/Kelly (B5) 15 Langmuir Lightning Res. Lab (B5) 16 Magdalena Ridge Observatory (B5) 17 Socorro Plaza Historic District (B6) 18 NM Tech/Mineral Museum (B6) 19 Quebradas Back Country Byway (A4) 20 Owl Cafe (B6) 21 Bosque del Apache Refuge (B6-C6 22 Sevilleta Nat’l. Wildlife Refuge (A5-6) 23 La Joya State Game Refuge (A6) d Ft. Craig National Historic Site (C5) e Riley (A5) f Rosedale (B4) g San Antonio (B5) h San Marcial (C5) i Historic Capitol Bar (B5)
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Silver City 24 Historic Downtown Silver City (E3) 25 Silver City Museum (E3) 26 WNMU Museum (E3) 27 Royal Scepter Mineral Museum (E3) 28 Pinos Altos (E3) 29 Santa Rita del Cobre Fort (E3) 30 Trail of Mtn. Spirits S. Byway (D3-E3) 31 Gila National Forest (C2-E4) 32 Gila Cliff Dwellings Nat’l. Mon. (D3) 33 Lake Roberts/Mimbres River (D3) 34 Mine Tours & Old Mines (E3) 35 Fort Bayard (E3) 36 City of Rocks State Park (E3) 37 Outer Loop Drive (C1-D3) j Fort Webster (E3) k Royal John (E4) l Fiero (E3) Truth or Consequences 38 T or C Hot Baths (D5) 39 Geronimo Stprings Museum (D5) 40 Rio Grande (D5) 41 Elephant Butte Dam (D5) 42 Elephant Butte Lake St. Park (C5-D5) 43 Geronimo Trail Scenic Byway (C4-E4) 44 Monticello/Placita (C3) 45 Pecan & Candy Shop - Cuchillo (D4) 46 Cuchillo Bar & Museum (D5) 47 Winston (C4) 48 Chloride (C4) 49 Caballo Lake State Park (D5-E5) 50 Lake Valley Bk Ctry Byway (D4-E4) A Lake Valley (E4) 51 Hillsboro (E4) 52 Kingston (E4) m Gold Dust (D4) n Grafton (C4) o Pioneer Store Museum (D4) p Auto Museum (D5) q Percha Dam/Campground (E5) r Verterans Mem. Park/Museum (D5) s Engle (D5) Lordsburg 53 Steins Ghost Town (F1) 54 Shakespeare Ghost Town (F2) 55 Lordsburg Museum (F2) 56 Virden (E1) 57 Gila River (C3-E1) 58 Redrock State Wildlife Area (E1) 59 Gila National Forest (E2) 60 Cave Creek (G1) 61 Portal (G1) 62 Rodeo (G1) 63 Animas (G1) 64 Hatchita (G2) 65 Antelope Wells (H2) t Cloverdale (G1) u Granite Gap (G1)
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38 T or C hot baths 39 Geronimo Spr Museum 40 Rio Grande p Auto Museum r Veterans Memorial Park & Museum
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Visitors Center Mimbres Museum Historic Walking Tour Golf Course Historic Luna County Courthouse
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Old Mesilla x San Albino Church
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Deming 66 Deming Visitors Center (F4) 67 Mimbres Museum (F4) 68 Historic Walking Tour (F4) 69 Golf Course (F4) 70 Rockhound State Park (F4) 71 Spring Canyon State Park (F4)
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St. Clair Winery (F4) Geolapidary Museum (F4) Mimbres-Paquime Tour (E3-H2) Pancho Villa State Park (G4) Columbus/Museum (G4) Palomas (G4) Fort Cummings (F4)
w Historic Luna Co. Courthouse (F4) Las Cruces 78 Old Mesilla (F6) 79 NM Farm-Ranch Museum (F6) 80 Gadsden Museum (F6) 81 Branigan Cultural Center (F6)
82 83 84 85 86 87 88
New Mexico State University (F6) Natural History Museum (F6) Bataan Death March Memorial (F6) Dripping Springs (F6) Stahmann Farms (F6) White Sands MIssile Range Museum (F6) White Sands Nat’l. Monument (E7)
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Ft. Selden State Monument (E5) Leasburg Dam State Park (E5) War Eagles Air Museum (G6) San Albino Church/Old Mesilla (F6) Aguirre Springs Nat. Recreation Area (F6) Chamberino (F6)
AREA MAP
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VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK
A permanent Vietnam Memorial Wall has been erected in Truth or Consequences to honor those who gave their lives for their country. 505-894-6600.
VERY LARGE ARRAY "TELESCOPE"
AREA
ATTRACTIONS HISTORY, TECHNOLOGY AND NATURAL WONDERS
Twenty-seven dish-shaped antennas are spread across three 13-mile legs, one of which crosses US 60 between Socorro and Reserve. A visitor center explains the mission of the project sponsored by the National Radio Astronomy Observatory. 505-388-8201.
ELEPHANT BUTTE LAKE STATE PARK
New Mexico’s largest lake offers opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming. Land lubbers can find hiking trails, great birding, and year-round events. History buffs will love the views of the 1916 dam and historic district at Dam Site Recreation Area. 505-744-5421.
CITY OF ROCKS STATE PARK
A city of giant monoliths protruding unexpectedly from the desert floor is located halfway between Deming and Silver City, 5 miles east of US 180. The park has a visitor center, hiking trails, and a night sky observatory. Call for the observatory schedule. 505-536-2800.
ROCKHOUND STATE PARK AGAINST A BACKDROP OF THE GHOST TOWNS AND RUINS OF FORTS from another time, an assortment of other adventures awaits visitors to Old West Country. The differences in the extremes of climate, flora and fauna here are no less diverse than those of the human experience, rooted in history while reaching for the stars. A multitude of recreational opportunities abounds in the Elephant Butte Lake State Park area. The lake offers jet skiing, water skiing, parasailing, windsailing, scuba and fishing opportunities. There are miles of beaches for cookouts and the nearby town of Truth or Consequences features hot mineral baths for soothing one’s aches and pains. The Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument offers first-hand insight into an ancient native culture that began moving from the valley floor into walled caves for protection just before disappearing altogether. The monument lies in the middle of a massive mountain region offering wilderness pack trips, camping, mineral baths, hiking and extraordinary vistas. The Very Large Array Radio Telescopes, as seen in the movie Contact, consists of 27 dish-shaped antennas spread along three 13-mile legs on the remote Plains of San Agustin. They act as a single antenna focusing on radio waves from deep space. The New Mexico Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum displays a history of the state’s farming and ranching activities from ancient Anasazi practices to modern mechanization. Demonstrations are given with actual farm animals. The Catwalk National Recreation Trail begins with a series of steel walkways clinging to narrow canyon cliffs and bridging the tops of boulders. They are reminiscent of the catwalk that transported gold ore from an upstream mine. A large picnic area lies beneath cottonwoods and sycamores at the mouth of the canyon.
Rock specimens scattered across the slopes of the Florida Mountains simply offer a great excuse to explore the area. Rockhounds meet regularly in the area southeast of Deming for demonstrations, sales and trading. 505-546-6782.
THE CATWALK RECREATION TRAIL
Walkways suspended from narrow canyon walls are the beginnings of a trail that works its way into the Gila Wilderness. The trailhead and picnic grounds beneath large cottonwood and sycamore trees are five miles east of US 180 at Glenwood. 505-538-2801.
GILA CLIFF DWELLINGS NAT’L MONUMENT
Follow the “Trail of the Mountain Spirits National Scenic Byway” two hours north from Silver City along NM 15 or NM 35 to the national monument visitor center. Printed matter and a movie provide information about the 13th century inhabitants of this pristine area. The Cliff Dwellings are accessible by a short, well-maintained trail. 505-536-9344.
N. M. FARM & RANCH MUSEUM
A large and intriguing display of farm and ranch implements from the early Anasazi to modern times. See live milking demonstrations and special presentations. 505-522-4100.
THE RIO GRANDE
New Mexico’s lifeline meanders through the Old West communities of Socorro, Truth or Consequences and Las Cruces. It contributed water and food for early travelers and traders along El Camino Real and now supports industry, agriculture, recreation and individual needs for New Mexico’s central corridor. Visit the El Camino Real International Heritage Center off I-25 at exit 115.
OLD MESILLA
A picturesque and historic Mexican/Old West plaza is surrounded by a stately church and 1800s buildings filled with fabulous shopping and dining opportunities. Additional shopping plazas with a charm all their own are continuing to expand along Avenida de Mesilla. 505524-3262
FORT SELDEN counterclockwise from top, left: The Very Large Array west of Socorro is a collection of movable radio telescopes computer-coordinated to act as a single unit. The Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument above Silver City is the remains of a twenty-year phase in the ancient Mogollon Culture. The old brick structures stir the hearts and imaginations of Mesilla’s visitors. A rousing sculpture in Palomas, Mexico, depicts revolutionary General Poncho Villa, who carried out a raid on Columbus, New Mexico. The Catwalk National Recreation Trail clings to narrow canyon walls before climbing deep into the Gila Wilderness east of Glenwood. Elephant Butte Lake State Park near Truth or Consequences provides a host of warm water recreational opportunities. Fort Craig between Socorro and Truth or Consequences was involved in a Civil War episode. City of Rocks State Park between Deming and Silver City is a unique formation of huge monoliths. The visitor center for Rockhound and Spring Canyon State Parks east of Deming provides information for enjoying the Florida Mountains. A solemn flag display guards the Vietnam War Memorial at Truth or Consequences.
An 1800s cavalry fort that was utilized by the Buffalo Soldiers. A year-round visitor center and living history demonstrations on weekends May through September. Nineteenth century military encampments second Saturdays monthly year-round. 505-526-8911
THE PLAINS OF SAN AGUSTIN
The largest and highest grassland in North America. 866-854-3217.
THE CIBOLA NAT’L. FOREST–MAGDALENA DIST. Made up of the largest collection of historic ranchlands in New Mexico. 505-854-2281.
AREA ATTRACTIONS
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SOCORRO COUNTY
Socorro THERE IS NO QUESTION OF THE SOCORRO AREA’S PLACE IN HISTORY. Located along the original El Camino Real, the “Royal Road” from Mexico City to Santa Fe, Socorro has been welcoming weary travelers for hundreds of years. Today, the new El Camino Real International Heritage Center 30 miles to the south honors that tradition. Nearby stand the ruins of Fort Craig, one of the largest frontier forts in the west. That adobe-walled outpost withstood an attack by General Sibley’s Confederate troops during the Civil War and protected the valley until 1885. Just west of Socorro near Magdelena, the Kelly Mine produced nearly $60 million in gold, lead, zinc and copper in the 1800s. A few miles to the south is San Antonio, the 1880s site of the first Hilton Hotel. Near Socorro’s historic central Plaza Scenic Byway rise the towers of San Miguel Mission, originally built around the turn of the 17th century. At the eastern edge of the county, the excavated ruins of the historic pueblo trade center that the Spanish called Gran Quivira comprise part of the Salinas Pueblo Missions National Monument. Amid these many trappings of the past, however, Socorro is also a community committed to the technology of the future. 52 miles west of town, the National Radio Astronomy Observatory operates the Very Large Array, a huge composite radio telescope that captures radio waves from the far reaches of the universe. The VLA complex consists of 27 dishshaped antennas, each 82 feet in diameter and weighing 230 tons. The antennas are arranged on tracks along three 13-mile legs on the high Plains of San Agustin.
“Amid trappings of the past, committed to the technology of the future”
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a community
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Fort Craig was home to over 2000 soldiers during the late 1800s. Initially built as a deterrent to Indian raids, it also played a role in the Union’s efforts to stop the westward push of the Confederate Army. Managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the site includes a small museum. opposite: The high-tech community of Socorro has chosen to preserve many of its historic buildings through the efforts of local business, parish and government entities. Efforts continue for salvaging this warehouse, a Socorro landmark for Interstate 25 travelers.
Home to... SOCORRO COUNTY EVENTS Feb
25-26 Battles of Socorro, Civil War Re-enactment, (505) 835-2530 Jun 5-10 Socorro Springs Open Golf Tournament, NM Tech Golf Course (505) 835-5335 Sep 9 4th Annual Socorro Fest Micro-Brew and Wine Festival, HistoricPlaza (505) 835-8927 19-23 13th Annual Enchanted Skies Star Party, NM Tech Observatory, (505) 835-8927 Nov 15-20 19th Annual Festival of the Cranes at Bosque del Apache Refuge, (505) 835-2077 For more information on any of the above events please call the Socorro Visitor Center at (505) 835-8927 or visit www.socorronm.gov
ATTRACTIONS Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. Visitor center, auto tour, hiking and year-round birding. 16 miles south of Socorro. 838-2120. www.friendsofthebosque.org Cibola National Forest – Magdalena District. Made up of the largest collection of historic ranchlands in New Mexico. 854-2281 Old Kelly Mine. Mine ruins and many wonderful specimens for rockhounds. 3 miles south of Magdalena. 866-854-3217 www.magdalena-nm.com Mineralogical Museum. More than 9,500 mineral specimens. Fossils. 835-5420. www.geoinfo.nmt.edu NM Institute of Mining and Technology. 801 Leroy Pl. 1-800-428-8324 N.M. Performing Arts Series. Call for schedule. 835-5688. www.nmt.edu/~pas/ Plains of San Agustin. The largest and highest grasslands in North America. 866-854-3217 Trinity Site. Site of world’s first atomic bomb explosion. Open twice a year; the first Saturday in April and October. 479-6124 The Boxcar Museum. Local history, artifacts of Wild West, mining, cattle drives, circa 1885-1930. Located next to AT&SF Railroad Depot. 108 N. Main St. 505-854-2261 www.magdalena-nm.com Very Large Array National Radio Astronomy Observatory. Visitor center, self-guided tours, world’s largest radio-telescope array on the Plains of San Augustin. 835-7000. www.nrao.ed
LOCATION Socorro is located at the junction of 1-25 and US60. Nearby is Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge. Magdalena is 27 miles west of Socorro on US60. TOUR ROUTE Travel 108 miles west on US60 through Magdalena and the VLA to Quemado; 41 miles south on NM32 past Quemado Lake to Apache Creek; 12 miles west on NM12 to Reserve. OR: Travel south 72 miles on I-25 to Truth or Consequences. MORE INFORMATION Socorro Visitor Center (505) 835-8927 www.socorronm.gov
• Wildlife Sanctuaries • Ancient Ruins & Historical Sites • Scientific Research & Education • Art Galleries & Performance Arts • Technological Advancements • New Mexico’s Best Green Chili • One of New Mexico’s Best Public Golf Courses
Socorro Visitor Center 505-835-8927 tourism@socorronm.gov
•
www.socorronm.gov
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SOCORRO COUNTY Back in Socorro the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, better known as New Mexico Tech, is a respected university specializing in science and engineering education and research. Its free Mineral Museum contains one of the finest mineral collections in the world, with 15,000 different specimens. The campus even has an observatory and an 18-hole golf course named “one of the 10 best public courses in New Mexico” by Golf Digest magazine. Ten miles down river, the 57,000-acre Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge draws thousands of visitors each season in late Fall to observe migratory waterfowl. Bald eagles, snow geese and sandhill cranes are among the 377 identified species observed and filmed from unobtrusive decks along the edges of shallow marshlands. A 12-mile auto tour loop and nature trails one to nine miles in length offer fantastic wildlife viewing and photo opportunities. The annual Festival of the Cranes, held the weekend before Thanksgiving, is a world-famous event. The Bosque Nature Store – a bookstore and gift shop – is open year-round. Nearby San Antonio has restaurants, B&Bs and an RV park. The arts in the Socorro area are well represented by the New Mexico Tech Performing Arts Series at Macey Center Theater, the Socorro Community Theater, the London Frontier Theatre Company in Magdelena, Socorro County Arts, the Magdalena Area Arts Council and numerous individual artists and galleries. The Fullingim, Isenhour & Leard Galleries is an artist-owned enterprise where visitors can talk with the artists whose work is on display. Outdoor recreation destinations around Socorro include Box Canyon, Escondida Lake Park, San Lorenzo Canyon, Water Canyon Campground and the Quebradas Backcountry Scenic Byway.
SUNDANCE GIFTS A unique selection of gifts for all reasons and seasons. • Native American and Native New Mexican Arts & Crafts • Mexican Arts & Crafts • Pottery & Ceramic Art • Desert Garden Chile & Spices • Indian Jewelry & Custom Jewelry Mon.-Sat. 9am-5:30pm • (505)
118 Historic Plaza
•
835-2498 Socorro, NM
THE VILLAGE OF
MAGDALENA… jumping off point to the most remote region in the Land of Enchantment… the high country of New Mexico. • London Frontier Theatre Company • Biannual Arts Festivals & Gallery Walks • Cibola National Forest • Boxcar Museum • Livestock Driveway • Kelly Mine
Magdalena Chamber of Commerce 866-854-3217 • magdalena-nm.com
Socorro County Chamber of Commerce Your Source for Visitor, Relocation and Business Information. 101 Plaza • Socorro NM 87801 505-835-0424 • Fax: 505-835-9744
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MAGDALENA In the 1800s the Village of Magdalena was a bustling railhead built for shipping mineral ore from the rich Kelly Mine and cattle that came over the Magdalena Stock Driveway, a trail that ran 125 miles to eastern Arizona. As times changed the Village declined in the early 20th century. With an
right: The high-tech communities of Socorro County have chosen to preserve many of their early Spanish and historic Old West buildings such as this Socorro structure.
estimated population of 1,000 today, the community is beginning to flourish again. 27 miles west of Socorro and some 2,000 feet higher in elevation, it is a gateway to the Cibola National Forest and offers lodging, services, galleries and a variety of local businesses.
Fullingim -Isenhour & Leard alleries
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Margi Lucena Natasha Isenhour
Sharon Fullingim
WWW. FIG ALLERIES . COM Skeeter Leard
Open 7 days at noon or by appointment. 505.835.4487 • 113- C ABEYTA STREET, SOCORRO I-25 TO EXIT 150, – 5 LIGHTS SOUTH – RIGHT ON ABEYTA STREET.
MIDDLE RIO GRANDE REALTY
The Very Large Array National Radio Astronomy Observatory 27 Radio Telescopes 52 miles west of Socorro on Hwy. 60
Visitor Center • Gift Shop
OPEN DAILY 505-835-7410 www.nrao.edu
(505) 835-0888 • (800) 687-2615 315 N. California P.O. Box 888 • Socorro, New Mexico 87801
www.mrgrealty.com email: mrgr@mrgrealty.com SOCORRO
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Truth or Consequences “Soothing mineral baths, a revitalized downtown area and a
growing arts community attract newcomers from around the country.”
LOCATED ON THE MIGHTY RIO GRANDE, THE PLACE NOW CALLED TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES has been known for its warm mineral springs for as long as humans have inhabited Old West Country. Geronimo himself is said to have bathed in the healing waters here, thus lending his name to the present-day Geronimo Springs Museum. A cluster of deep matates, or corn grinding holes, at Ralph Edwards Riverside Park is evidence of the Native American’s long-term presence. The original community here was called Las Palomas or Palomas Springs for the doves that favored the cottonwood trees along the river. In the 1800s early white settlers learned of the healthful properties of the mineral springs. After the Civil War the U.S. Army built forts nearby. The town was renamed Hot Springs in 1923, and its reputation as a destination for healing caused it to boom in the ‘20s and ‘30s. In 1950 Hot Springs gained national attention when it voted to change its name in honor of the tenth anniversary of the Ralph Edwards radio show Truth or Consequences. Today the downtown area has been revitalized, and the town’s growing arts community attracts newcomers from around the country. Open yearround, full-service bathhouses combine the relaxing and healing attributes of the hot mineral water with a full gamut of related services. Several of the lodges include mineral baths with the cost of the room. An important landmark is The Wall That Heals, a permanently erected 240-foot-long replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial that stands in our nation’s capitol. It is installed on the grounds of the New Mexico Veterans Center overlooking the Rio Grande. There is public access throughout the county for biking, hiking, 4-wheeling, motorcross, rock hounding, and birding. left: Enhancing its Old Take a short drive on highway 51 to the east West heritage, several to visit the old railroad town of Engle. Once a Truth or Consequences bustling railhead, it is a ghost town today with businesses along Main only a few people and two buildings remaining. Street have returned to To the west, enjoy easy access to the nearby Black 1800s frontages. Range in the vast Gila National Forest, with its above: Remains of the splendid variety of wildlife, tall trees, volcanic courthouse in Hillsboro rock formations and clear mountain streams. The exemplify the area offers scenic byways, the quaint village of architecture of Hillsboro and the ghost towns of Kingston, late1800s mining Lake Valley, Chloride and Winston. communities.
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SIERRA COUNTY EVENTS May
5-7
Fiesta & Rodeo, Truth or Consequences (505) 740-0315 Sep 1-3 Hillsboro Apple Fest, Hillsboro (505) 895-5636 9-10 Elephant Butte Balloon Regatta, Drag Boat Races and Sky Divers (505) 744-4708 Sep 22, 23, 25 Destination Sierra County (505) 894-2739 Dec 9 Beachwalk Luminaria & Floating Light Parade, Elephant Butte (505) 744-4708
ATTRACTIONS Black Range Ranger District. Camping, hiking, picnicking. (505) 894-6677 Caballo Lake State Park. Boat launch sites, campsites, picnicking and visitor center. (505) 743-3942 Elephant Butte Lake State Park. Campsites, visitor center, water sports and trails. (505) 744-5421 Geronimo Springs Museum. Area history, pottery collections and minerals. 211 Main St. (505) 894-6600 San Felipe Winery. (505) 843-8171 T or C Hot Springs. Indoor tubs, bath houses and saunas. (505) 894-6600
LOCATION Truth or Consequences is located on I-25 by Elephant Butte Lake State Park in the hot springs region of the Rio Grande. Elephant Butte is 5 miles north. TOUR ROUTE On I-25, travel 72 miles north to Socorro or 75 miles south to Las Cruces. MORE INFORMATION Truth or Consequences/Sierra County Chamber of Commerce (505) 894-3536 Elephant Butte Chamber of Commerce (505) 744-4708 Geronimo Trail National Scenic Byway Visitor’s Center (505) 894-1968 or 1-800-831-9487
PLAZA REALTY Providing the finest real estate brokerage services since 1978; “When Only The Best Will Do” is our motto. We know Sierra County! Call us first! 216 Warm Springs Blvd. P.O. Box 985, Elephant Butte
1-877-744-5140 www.plazarealtynm.com
COLDWELL BANKER DESERT LAKES REALTY Gretchen Campbell Owner/Broker
www.GretchenCampbell.com gretchen@riolink.com
505.744.4960 Bus. 505.744.4999 Fax 505.740.1487 Cell 509 Hwy.195, P.O. Box 1083 • Elephant Butte, NM 87935 Each Office is Independently Owned & Operated.
Where it All Began... OLD WEST y 1-800-290-8330 www.oldwestcountry.com Countr TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES
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SIERRA COUNTY
City of Elephant Butte “The entrance to Elephant Butte Lake
State Park, a
virtual angler’s paradise, is just east of the city.”
WATER-SKIING, WIND SURFING, SCUBA DIVING, FISHING…THE LIST OF WATER sports and activities goes on and on for the City of Elephant Butte. The entrance to Elephant Butte Lake State Park is adjacent the city of Elephant Butte. The park has a visitors center and offers numerous campsites including over 100 with hookups, plus swimming beaches, picnic grills, boating, three marinas and boat rentals of all kinds, nature trails and more. Other activities include sailing, parasailing and jet skiing. A virtual angler’s paradise, the 45-mile-long lake contains trophy-size bass, northern pike, catfish, sunfish, crappie, perch, walleye and some rainbow trout. Fishing guides are available to show visitors how to catch largemouth bass weighing up to nine pounds or even how to take on a 20-pound striped bass. It all began in 1911 with the start of construction on the Elephant Butte Dam, named for a nearby extinct volcanic cinder cone that is an island in the lake today. The dam was built to control downstream
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The damming of the Rio Grande to form Elephant Butte Lake in 1916 created the state’s largest recreation site. An endless array of water sports and picnicking opportunities attract visitors year-round.
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Elephant Butte INN 48 Rooms Overlooking Elephant Butte Lake. • Heated Outdoor Pool (seasonal) • Ivory Tusk Tavern & Restaurant • Banquet & Meeting Facilities • Boat & Jet Ski Rentals at Nearby Marina • Fishing Charters Located Nearby • Free Continental Breakfast • Free Wi-Fi
Highway 195 Elephant Butte, NM
505-744-5431 www.ElephantButteInn.com
COLDWELL BANKER Desert Lake Realty Serving The Real Estate Needs For All of Sierra County. For residential, commercial, multifamily, Farm, Ranch, vacant land or lots. Our agents will provide professional, courteous service.
flooding in the farming communities of the Rio Grande and to release water for irrigation as needed. At the time of its completion in 1916 it was the largest man-made dam in the world. 306 feet
Exclusive agents for Sierra County’s newest subdivision, RANCHO DEL LAGO. Situated on the east side of Elephant Butte Lake, paved roads, underground utilities, excellent covenants and restrictions plus panoramic views.
509 Highway; P.O. Box 1083 Elephant Butte, N.M. 87935
505-744-4960 - Office
high, it held back the second largest
505-744-4999 - Fax
water impoundment in the United
www.ColdwellBanker.com – www.Realtor.com www.GretchenCampbell.com
States – over 2 million acre-feet, or enough water to cover 4000 square miles one foot deep. The Dam Site area is a designated Historic District built from native rock. Then return again to the warm lights and hospitality of the City of Elephant Butte for restaurants, lounges, motels, RV parks, shopping and golf, with a new 18-hole championship golf course slated to open in late 2006.
PLAZA REALTY Providing the finest real estate brokerage services since 1978. “When Only The Best Will Do” is our motto. We know Sierra County! Call us first! 216 Warm Springs Blvd. / P.O. Box 985
Elephant Butte, N.M. 87935 1-800-744-5140 • plazarealtynm.com Hodges Corner Restaurant We specialize in home style cooking. Ray Hodges & Staff Welcome You. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Open 7 days, daily buffets, Saturday and Sunday breakfast buffet. Mexican and American food. To go orders. 505-744-5626 • 915 Hwy. 195, Elephant Butte, N.M. 87935 ELEPHANT BUTTE
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Reserve, Datil & Quemado
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According to a local historian, The Sacred Heart Church of Quemado was built in the late 1940s or early 1950s. This Catholic Church was built on a site previously occupied by an older church that sat for as long as one can remember.
THE LOCATIONS OF THE TOWNS OF RESERVE, DATIL AND QUEMADO FORM A scenic triangle in the heart of Catron County, the largest and most sparsely county in New Mexico – and a sportsmen’s paradise. Deeply infused with colorful Old West history, the region is a gateway to the Gila, Apache and Cibola National Forests, and the Gila and Blue Range Wildernesses. Geronimo and Billy the Kid frequented the area in the 1800s, and Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid worked on a local ranch when they were laying low. Besides these historic figures shared by other places, Catron County was host to figures and events that were unique and legendary even in Old West Country. In a hut of mud and wood in Frisco – where Reserve stands today – one such legend began in 1884. This was said to be the location of the famous 33-hour shootout between 19-year-old selfappointed lawman Elfego Baca and an estimated 80 Texas cowboys who had been harassing the townspeople. Over 4,000 rounds of ammunition were fired at Baca, who killed at least one of his attackers and wounded several more before emerging from the ordeal uninjured. A statue of Baca is set for unveiling at the Elfego Baca Festival in Reserve in October, 2006. A museum to be built at the site of the shootout is in the design stages. Did we mention the Great Outdoors? Not only are the hunting, fishing, hiking and camping great in Catron County, but the Enchanted Tower rock formation near Datil enjoys a growing
“Deeply infused with colorful Old West history region is a gateway to forests and wildernesses.”
Photo by Lif Strand
, the
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Reserve and Quemado RESOURCE DIRECTORY
Hidden Springs Inn • Little Adobe Cafe favorable reputation among rock climbers. You can stay at the Datil Well National Recreation Area, with 22 campsites, a group shelter and three miles of hiking trails. Datil is northeast of Reserve on State Highway 12. Traveling west of Datil on US 60 brings visitors to Quemado and the 800-acre Quemado Lake Recreation Area. The recreation area features a 151-acre fishing lake with universally accessible fishing piers, boat ramps, campgrounds and links to more than seven miles of hiking trails. The lake offers year-round trout fishing and channel catfish and small-mouth bass in summer. Boats are restricted to oars or electric motors.
Understated Luxury.
Just outside the White Mountians, surrounded by the Gila National Forest. Bakery and Cafe on premises serving New Mexico continental fare, featuring our exquisite baked goods. HC 62 Box 2-8 • Reserve, NM 87830 • 505-533-6146 Fax - 505-533-6404 • www.thehiddenspringsinn.com
United Country American West Properties, Inc. We specialize in offering a variety of the finest properties
available in Western New Mexico, from Hunting and Agricultural properties to Homes, Mountain Cabins and Forest In Holdings. Let us show you why New Mexico is called the Land of Enchantment. P.O. Box 99 • Datil, NM 87821 • Office: 505-772-5333 www.americanwestproperties.com • www.unitedcountry.com/datil/NM
Frisco Stables Art – Antiques – Collectibles.
Unique gift items, something for everyone. Fantastic Hispanic Art by well know local artist Jose Andres Giron. P.O. Box 545 • Reserve, NM 87830 505-533-6968 • www.artegiron.com
Black Gold Emporium More than your typical convenience store. Fine Art & Jewelry – Crafts – Natural
Foods. Eclectic-Diverse Selection. FINEST COFFEE IN 100 MILES. CATRON COUNTY EVENTS
P.O. Box 569 • Reserve, NM 87830 • 505-533-6538
March TBA Dutch Oven Cook Off, Glenwood Park (505) 539-2321 May TBA Glenwood Park Barrel Race and Pot Blessing (505) 539-2321 July 4 July 4th Celebrations in Glenwood (505) 539-2711, Quemado & Reserve (505) 533-6968 TBA Frisco Cowbells’ Annual BBQ, Glenwood (505) 539-2711 TBA Luna Pioneer Days and Rodeo (505) 533-6968 Aug TBA Catron County Fair and Rodeo. Reserve (505) 533-6968 Sep TBA Pie Town Pie Pestival (505) 533-6968 Oct TBA Elfego Baca Festival. Reserve (505) 533-6968
Uncle Bills
ATTRACTIONS
Alma. Ghost town 7 miles north of Glenwood. The Catwalk. Trail over suspended bridges in White Water Canyon. 5 miles east of Glenwood. 539-2711 Clairmont. Ghost town 19 miles northeast of Glenwood. 533-6922 Mogollon. Ghost town 13 miles northeast of Glenwood. Snow Lake. In the Gila National Forest. Camping and fishing. 47 miles northeast of Glenwood. WS Cemetery. WS Ranch B & B, Alma, 7 miles north of Glenwood. 539-2513 Cooney’s Tomb. Alma, 7 miles north of Glenwood. Quemado Lake. Camping and fishing, 11 miles south of Quemado.
LOCATION Datil and Datil Well are located at the junction of US60 and NM12. Quemado is located at the junction of US60 and NM32 near Quemado Lake. Reserve is located on NM12 along the San Francisco River. TOUR Travel 36 miles south on NM12 and US180 from Reserve to Glenwood, MORE INFORMATION Catron County Chamber (505) 533-6116
True Old West bar with character. The funnest place in Catron County, 3rd
generation owned and was established during prohibition. P.O. Box 426 • Reserve, NM 87830 • 505-533-6369
Henry’s Corner In the heart of Reserve – Gifts
Elfego Baca Memorabilia
•
• Espresso Coffee • Soft & Dip Ice Cream Wireless Internet Soon • Hours: 7am - 9pm.
P.O. Box 595 • Reserve, NM 87830 • 505-533-6488
Apache RV Park Hunting, fishing and lots of outdoor enjoyment. Located 9 miles north of Reserve in the heart of elk country. Shower, laundry, propane and pull through spaces. HC 62, Box 650 A • Reserve, NM 87830 505-533-6166 • www.apachervpark.com
Quemado Land & Cattle Company
Specializing in Recreational & Mountain Vacation Home Sites with utilities in a gated master planned community. Deed restricted, world class hunting & fishing. Owner financing available. • P.O. Box 188 • Quemado, NM 87829 • 505-773-4590 www.quemadolake.com • beverly@gilanet.com
Hitching Post Land Co. High Country Land Specialists. Your source for mountain land from 5 acres to larger ranches. Homes & cabins also available. • NE Corner of Highways 60 & 36 P.O. Box 502•Quemado, NM 87829 • 505-773-4200 • 888-812-5830 Toll Free email: hitchingpost@gilanet.com • website: www.swproperties.com/nmland
Unlimited Enterprise Mike Ritter
Licensed and Bonded # 05499. General contractor Specializing in meeting all of your residential construction needs. 505-773- 4991 • email: himtnhideout@gilanet.com • Photo by Gary Edwards
Reserve – Catron County Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 415 • Reserve, New Mexico 87830 • 505-533-6968
Where it All Began... OLD WEST ry 1-800-290-8330 www.oldwestcountry.com Count RESERVE, DATIL & QUEMADO
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CATRON COUNTY
Mogollon
[
above: Hand-painted clock at the entrance of town commemorating the last mining shift in 1942. above right, from top: Gazebo view of The Queen, Mogollon cemetery, powder house, Bursum Rd. (NM159), authentic stage stop along side the movie set for “My Name is Nobody” starring Henry Fonda (1973) opposite, top: Mogollon museum opposite, center: Our Lady of Mt. Carmel church (currently under renovation) photographs: Courtesy Mogollon Enterprises by Pakaáge
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MOGOLLON (pronounced Muggy-own) and the surrounding mountains were named for a Spanish colonial governor of New Mexico in the early 1700’s. In 1874, gold and silver were discovered in this area by Sgt. James Cooney in adjacent Mineral Creek. Shortly thereafter, John Eberle made similar discoveries in Silver Creek canyon and built a cabin which was the start of Mogollon in 1876. It grew into a very prosperous mining town because of the prolific Little Fannie mine which later closed in 1942 due to the fall of ore prices during WWll. Subsequently, Mogollon was deserted and the township became a “ghost town”. Mogollon had a brief resurgence in the 1960’s with a famous artist colony (Bill Rakocy, Johnnie Archer, Chet Kwiecinske, and Peter Hurd among many others) that has since faded. Now, Mogollon is alive with 18 year-round residents who have organized a volunteer fire www.oldwestcountry.com
MOGOLLON ESTABLISHMENTS
ANTIQUES & COLLECTIBLES Unique Gift Items Books, Old Indian Pawn Jewelry, Mining Implements, Depression Era Glass, and MUCH, MUCH MORE!
Katie Morgan (505) 539~2015
Galloping Gourds
Super Salve Co.
tm
ATTRACTIONS Businesses are open May - October (depending on the weather) Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday holidays from 9:00/10:00am - 5:00pm.
MORE INFO www.mogollonenterprises.com www.silvercity.org www.catroncounty.org www.oldwestcountry.com Glenwood Ranger District, USFS Church info: friarfred@gilanet.com
Unique handcrafted gourds and ornaments
Fine Art ~ Jewelry ~ Handmade Juniper Furniture Wooden Lamps & Sculptures ~ Wind Chimes Treasure Mobiles ~ and MUCH, MUCH MORE!
Home of the
BEST BURGERS in the Southwest!
Enjoy our diverse menu, baked goods & famous homemade jams! Enjoy the mountain views with our outside seating—decks, covered patios & cabana.
Amy Pederson & Tom Miller
BED & BREAKFAST Stan King & Kathy Knapp COURTESY TIM & FRANCIS WALTERS
department. There are several seasonal businesses (see opposite page), a privately operated museum and cemetery archives, and an historic theater and church undergoing renovation. Mogollon is located on state highway NM 159 off US 180, junction about three miles north of Glenwood. There is a scenic mountainous climb of about 3,000 ft. over 8.5 miles to Mogollon (town elevation approx. 7,000 ft). Beyond Mogollon, the highway is not paved but is the entrance to a very primitive and beautiful wilderness. Many scenic hiking trails, diverse fauna and flora, and nine species of hummingbirds can be found in the immediate area as well as magnificent dark skies for stargazing. Located in Catron County, NM, one of the least densely populated areas in the continental U.S., Mogollon is approximately equidistant (250 miles) from El Paso, TX, Tucson AZ, and Albuquerque, NM.
100% Natural Herbal Skin Care Products www.supersalve.com
RESERVATIONS REQUIRED
Toll Free (866) 276-4882
www.silvercreekinn.com MOGOLLON
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Glenwood
GLENWOOD Resource Directory
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Glenwood is the activities hub on the western edge of the rugged Gila Wilderness area. The Catwalk and Mogollon ghost town are in close proximity. Above Alma, the tomb of gold prospector James Cooney, killed in 1880 by Apaches is a reminder of the hardships faced by early settlers.
“A haven for hikers, birders, anglers and sightseers.”
WHITE WATER MOTEL Relax & Enjoy vacationing at our retreat in the heart of Glenwood. Surrounded by rugged mountains & forests. Dish Network-Air Conditioning Fantastic Views - Spacious Backyard 505-539-2581 P.O. Box 158 Glenwood, NM 88039 www.gilanet.com/whitewatermotel GLENWOOD REALTY Ranches - Farms - Residential Commercial. An experienced team for all your Real Estate needs. Darrel Allred, Qualifying Broker. Misty Riegel, Associate Broker. P.O. Box 38 • Glenwood, NM 88039 505-539-2711 • Fax: 505-539-2722 www.realestate4newmexico.com ALMA GRILL Open Daily, 6am-3pm. Breakfast served all day! Serving Mexican & American dishes. See our collection of antique photos and western memorabelia. 505-539-CAFE (2233) HC 61 Box 169 • Alma, NM 88039 UDDER DELIGHT Natural goat milk soaps, lotions and more! Come see where we make and dry our udderly delightful goat milk soaps! Open Tuesday - Saturday 9-5.
THE TOWN OF GRAHAM, ONCE LOCATED JUST EAST OF PRESENT-DAY Glenwood, is gone now. A few ruins remain of the mill built there in 1893 to process gold and silver ore, but visitors today still traverse a feat of engineering it left behind. The Whitewater Canyon National Forest Recreation Area is home to the Catwalk, a manmade trail bolted to the rocky sides of the canyon above Whitewater Creek. Retracing the path of a pipeline that carried water to the old mill, today’s Catwalk features a modern, universally accessible trail with metal walkways. The entire area is a haven for hikers, birders, anglers and sightseers. The half-million acre Glenwood Ranger District offers 322 miles of hiking trails. Enjoy sweeping views of the Mogollon Mountains from Aldo Leopold Vista. Visit the Glenwood State Trout Hatchery with its picnic area and fishing pond, and relax in the hospitality of local restaurants and lodgings following your outdoor adventures. OWT24
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LOCATION Glenwood straddles US180 on the western edge of the Gila Wilderness near the junction of Whitewater Creek and the San Francisco River. TOUR Travel 33 miles south on US 180 through Buckhorn to Cliff and Gila OR 35 miles north on US180 and NM12 to Reserve. MORE INFORMATION Glenwood Chamber of Commerce (505)539-2711
www.oldwestcountry.com
5121 Highway. 180 • P.O. Box 268 Glenwood, NM 88039 • 505-539-2060 1-877-833-3740 • www.udderdelight.com BLUE FRONT CAFE & GLENWOOD RV PARK Nestled in the rolling foothills of the Mogollon Mountains. Gateway to the Gila Wilderness. P.O. Box 166, Glenwood, NM •505-539-2324 Email: allred@gilanet.com THE WS RANCH BED & BREAKFAST Established in 1881 this historic ranch in Alma, NM now welcomes guests & horses. Experience frontier history & tradition. Unwind in rustic yet elegant bunkhouse accomodations. HC 61 Box 170•Glenwood, NM•505-539-2513 www.wslandandcattlecompany.com GLENWOOD AREA
CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Glenwood, New Mexico, “A Place You Will Never Forget” Home of the Catwalk in the Heart of the Gila. Outdoor activities for everyone. Affordable lodging & dining. Come Experience Our Scenic & Friendly Small Town! 505-539-2711•http://www.glenwoodnewmexico.com
MINING TOWNS FROM RICHES TO RELICS
WINSTON Originally called Fairview, the silver mining town of Winston was settled in 1881 by miners who preferred its beautiful valley to nearby Chloride.By 1884 it was home to more than 3,000 people. A small population and several original buildings remain today.
CHLORIDE
Photo bu Keith LeMay
Chloride was established in 1879 after silver chloride ore was discovered nearby. A few old buildings are presently undergoing restoration, and the Pioneer Store has been turned into a world-class museum. The 200-year-old “Hanging Tree” still grows on the main street.
LAKE VALLEY Located south of Hillsboro on NM 27, Lake Valley was the site of the discovery of the legendary Bridal Chamber, a deposit of silver so pure that the metal was shipped straight to the mint without being refined by smelting. Easily included on your trip are other mining towns including Fierro to the south and Mogollon to the north.
FIERRO Named after the Spanish word for iron, Fierro’s mining activity centered around copper, iron and zinc beginning around 1841 with a copper mine established by a German immigrant. The mine site was raided by Confederate troops during the Civil War.
MOGOLLON Photo courtesy Geronimo Springs Museum
This former gold and silver mining town stands at the northern edge of the Gila Wilderness. In its heyday, the precious metal bullion was hauled to Silver City by mule teams. Ore quality began to dwindle after World War I.
PINOS ALTOS Originally named Birchville after a miner, the gold mining town of Pinos Altos is located northeast of Silver City. Well into the 20th century, its general store accepted gold dust as well as cash in payment for merchandise and commodities. Rowdy mining camps were scattered throughout Old West Country during the late 1800s. Picturesque settings provide exciting day-trips or weekend getaways. clockwize from top: Fierro near Silver City, includes underground mining structures. Lake Valley near Hillsboro offers self-guided tours and a museum. Period architecture can be found at the silver mining villages of Winston and Chloride near Truth or Consequences. A rustic elegance graces the quaint ice cream parlor, museum and melodrama playhouse in Pinos Altos north of Silver City. Mogollon above Glenwood was a major gold-mining camp. Winston, Chloride, and Lake Valley can all be accessed along the Geronimo Trail National Scenic Byway.
MINING TOWNS
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Cliff, Gila and Buckhorn “Rolling grasslands give way to the rugged
BIRDING, FISHING, HIKING AND HORSEBACK RIDING ARE AT their best where the Gila River flows out of the Mogollon Mountains into a fertile farming valley near the villages of Gila, Cliff and Buckhorn. This beautiful, sparsely populated area also contains many secluded areas with panoramic vistas for sightseeing or just relaxing. Government and privately protected riparian areas provide excellent bird and wildlife sanctuaries along the river and adjoining drainages. Casitas de Gila Guesthouses and Art Gallery at Gila is nationally known for providing ideal base lodgings for wilderness adventures. The beautiful 90-acre retreat sits on a bluff overlooking Bear Creek and its secluded canyon full of wildlife. In addition, nearby Bill Evans Lake offers trout fishing and
mountains of the nation’s first
primitive camping.
wilderness area.”
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Escape to our Stress-Free Zone! Perched on a bluff overlooking Bear Creek and the Gila Wilderness, Casitas de Gila Guesthouses makes a perfect base for an exploration of the entire Southwestern New Mexico area.
Rolling grasslands in the Cliff/Buckhorn area abruptly
Hike our 90 acres and nearby Gila Forest trails. Nap in a hammock under the cottonwoods. From the hot tub watch the moon rise above the cliffs. Enjoy the sights and sounds of nature all around you.
give way to the rugged mountains encompassed by the nation’s first wilderness area. Deer and antelope still roam the foothills and steal apples from local gardens, indicating that all is well in the natural balance. Rocky
Beautifully appointed 1 and 2 bedroom Guesthouses with full kitchens, kiva fireplaces, porches, bbq grills, picnic tables, continental breakfast … and a delightful art gallery!
JUST 30 MILES NW OF SILVER CITY
Mountain Bighorn sheep have been reintroduced and are seasonally evident in the rugged terrain. Mogollon Vista
ONE OF FODOR’S 250 HAND-PICKED ESCAPES TO NATURE
has secured a shared riparian area in the middle of its
Casitas de Gila Guesthouses Art Galler y
development near Cliff to attract wildlife and to enhance Ancient cultures hunted, gathered, fished and tried their
www.casitasdegila.com 50 CASITA FLATS RD • GILA, NM 88038-0325
1-877-923-4827
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and promote the natural attributes of the land. hands at primitive farming in the area.
e
left: Remnants of early settlers can be found along the rich Gila River farming valley. The Cliff, Gila and Buckhorn area between Silver City and Glenwood provides opportunities for panoramic vistas, horseback riding, birding, wildlife observation, fishing and remote guesthouses.
Specializing in Gila/San Francisco River Valley and Secluded Rural Properties.
A
Dale Spurgeon, Broker Action REALTY
8412 Hwy. 180 W P. O. Box 408 Cliff, NM 88028
Toll Free 1-888-874-9891 actionrealtynm@starband.net • www.actionrealtynm.com
Doug Baird, Sales Associate 505-533-6838
Chuck Wagon Cafe Good home cooking in the oldest building in Cliff. So round up, saddle up and ride on in. Live Music and Dancing.
LOCATION Gila is located on the Gila River at the junction of NM211 and NM153, two miles north of US180. Cliff is located at the junction of the Gila River and US180. Buckhorn straddles US180 on the grasslands below the Mogollon Mountains. TOUR Travel 26 miles south on US180 to Silver City MORE INFORMATION Silver City Grant County Chamber of Commerce 505538-3785 1-800-548-9378 www.silvercity.org
505.535.4100 8414 Highway 180 West • Cliff, NM 88028
Valley Market When out in the Gila area - no need to go to town! • Full Service Grocery Store • Pizza • Sandwiches • & Hardware
505.535.2737 410 Highway 211 • P.O. Box 66 • Gila, NM 88038
Last Chance Liquor Pizza Pro Little Country Store. Gift Items, Hardware and Many Other Surprises.
505.535.4428 7327 Highway 180 West • Buckhorn, NM 88025 CLIFF, GILA & BUCKHORN
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Silver City “What started as a 19th century mining camp has become a thriving center for recreation and the arts.”
NEAR-PERFECT WEATHER AND A HOST OF OUTDOOR AND cultural attractions make Silver City an excellent destination for both temporary visitors and those considering relocation. What started as a 19th century mining camp has become a thriving center for recreation and the arts, featuring a central business district and a respected university. The community is consistently rated at the top of the nation’s most respected lists for the arts, historic preservation, healthful living and retirement. A Billy the Kid-era cabin donated by movie director Ron Howard from the movie “The Missing” opens the door to the historic right: A Buffalo Soldier downtown district packed full of restaurants, stands guard on the parade galleries, museums, day spas, coffee shops, and grounds of Fort Bayard, a boutiques. The Victorian architecture, chapels National Historic and churches add the final touch to this Landmark, near Silver City. special setting. The black soldiers gained redognition for their peacePerched on the edge of a three million acre keeping efforts. opposite, national forest with over 1500 miles of trails, inset: Elegant homes once recreation is an important element of Silver occupied by army officers City’s lifestyle and certainly its biggest stationed at Fort Bayard tourist attraction. The Gila Cliff continue to be utilized Dwellings National Monument, surtoday by medical facility rounded on three sides by the first wilderpersonnel. opposite: The ness area designated by Congress, offers Silver City Museum not only a glimpse into the ancient occupies one of the many Mogollon culture, but endless opporVictorian homes built tunities for camping, hiking, pack during the area’s first trips, horseback riding, fishing, bikmining boom in the ing or simply a leisurely drive late 1800s.
T
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through magnificent scenic vistas. A monument recognizing the Apache chief Geronimo, who was born at the headwaters of the Gila River, has been erected at the Gila Cliff Dwellings visitor center. The center highlights the prehistoric cultures that inhabited the cliffs and pithouses of the region and provides information on the history, geology, flora and fauna of the area. Over 20 birding areas have been designated in a variety of habitats surrounding Silver City that attract 339 species, including 10 species of hummingbirds. A hummingbird festival is held annually near Lake Roberts. Lake Roberts, Bill Evans Lake and Bear Canyon Lake, the historic village of Pinos Altos, the peaceful Mimbres River Valley, developed and undeveloped hot springs, City of Rocks State Park and the breath-taking Chino open-pit mine are scattered across the immediate area. Ghost towns, rock hounding and the Catwalk National Recreation Trail are within an hour’s radius.
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The Tour of the Gila sanctioned 5-day bicycle stage race, Silver City Blues Festival, Weekend at the Galleries, Wild Wild West Pro Rodeo, Fiesta de la Olla and the Red Paint (Warm Springs) Apache Pow Wow make Silver City a major events destination. An array of cultural, sporting and educational functions fills remaining gaps. Ft. Bayard, an 1863 U.S. infantry post just east of Silver City, housed the “Medal of Honor” buffalo soldiers and is now a medical facility with officer’s quarters still in use. The fort has been designated a National Landmark and includes a national cemetery and buffalo soldier statue. Silver City’s four-year Western New Mexico University with master’s programs, continuing education classes, intercollegiate sports and a strong arts program is a powerful contributor to the community. Beginning as a teacher’s college in the late 1800s, its education programs continue to be its primary focus. A great place for urban stress relief, Silver City’s shops, museums and galleries are within walking distance from bed & breakfast facilities, a turn of the century hotel and excellent day spa facilities.
Where it All Began... OLD WEST ry 1-800-290-8330 www.oldwestcountry.com Count OWT30
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top: The Warren House is one of the few buildings that survived early 1900s flooding that carved Main Street into a deep crevice. The picturesque setting is now Big Ditch Park.
THE
BUFFALO SOFOLDIERS FORT BAYARD BY BRETT FERNEAU
Mimbres Region Arts Council • Performance Series September thru May • Silver City Blues Festival Memorial Day Weekend • Weekend at the Galleries Columbus Day Weekend • Fiesta de la Olla featuring Juan Quezada - July 1201Pope St. Silver City, NM
The end of the Civil War marked the beginning of a new era in the development of Old West Country. Great cattle drives moved northward from Texas to the railroads and mining activity at Pinos Altos and Santa Rita was on the increase. The U.S. Army ordered the construction of a post near Pinos Altos in order to protect the settlers. Named for Brigadier General George D. Bayard, Fort Bayard was established in 1866 by Company B of the 125th U.S. Colored Infantry. For the following 33 years, soldiers from Fort Bayard pursued hostile Native Americans, Mexican revolutionaries, Anglo outlaws and train robbers, comancheros and rustlers through some of the most arduous and unforgiving terrain on the continent. Hundreds of soldiers stationed at Fort Bayard during those years were African Americans, nicknamed “Buffalo Soldiers” by the Cheyenne and Comanche. Commanded by white officers, the otherwise all-black units included the 125th Infantry as well as the distinguished 9th Cavalry Regiment, transferred from Texas in 1875/76. During the years 1868 and ’69, troop strength at Fort Bayard numbered 304 black and 131 white soldiers. In all, over 20 members of the all-black 9th and 10th Cavalries were awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. Proud of their uniforms and professions, the Buffalo Soldiers fought fierce battles, built outposts and forts, strung hundreds of miles of telegraph lines and explored and mapped huge areas, in addition to growing and raising much of their own food. The Buffalo Soldier Memorial at Fort Bayard was dedicated in their memory in 1992. The Buffalo Soldiers also served at other southwest New Mexico forts.
888.758.7289 505.538.2505
www.mimbresarts.org
Century 21Thompson Realty
Real Estate for Your World
Carol Thompson, Owner/Broker
607 N. Hudson Silver City, NM 88061
505-538-0021 800-358-0021 www.silver-nm.com
“Each Office Independently Owned and Operated”
Silver City
Museum Store In the H.B. Ailman House. Books & Regional Gifts. Tuesday - Friday, 9:00 to 4:30 Saturday - Sunday, 10:00 to 4:00 Closed Monday.
312 W. Broadway Silver City, NM
505-388-5721 silvercit ymuseum.org SILVER CITY
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Holiday Inn Express silver city The Holiday Inn Express in beautiful Silver City is your ticket to a Southwest adventure. Let our friendly staff aid you in exploring the wonders of the Silver City area from a convenient homebase featuring: • Fully Equipped Fitness Center • Spa Facilities • Complimentary Express Start Breakfast • FREE High Speed Internet
1103 Superior Street Silver City • NM 88061
1-800-HOLIDAY 505-538-2525
www.hiexpress.com
SILVER CITY
HOTEL
FROM
BRUSH HBRICK UTSHOMES TO
BY BRETT FERNEAU “IF THAT’S SILVER ORE, I KNOW WHERE THERE’S PLENTY OF IT!” Having reportedly uttered those words after
The Palace Hotel
viewing ore samples at Ralston, NM (now known as
Celebrating 106 Years
Shakespeare), Silver City pioneer John Bullard rode
Located in the downtown historic district. Reminiscent of a small hotel in the European Tradition. • Affordable Rates • 18 Rooms & Suites • Continental Breakfast
106 W. Broadway Silver City, NM 88061
505-388-1811
some forty miles back to the farm he owned with William Milby, Richard Hudson and others. The farm was located near the marshes of La Cienega de San Vicente, where Silver City stands today. La Cienega was an adobe settlement for sheepherders supplying meat to gold miners in Pinos Altos; Bullard and the others had built what were probably the first log cabins in the area. In the nearby hills, the men quickly picked up surface samples that assayed at $60 to the ton in the
www.zianet.com /palacehotel
spring of 1870. By the end of May, a claim had been
Timberland Construction Inc.
Northeast Ledge, Blackhawk Ledge, Twin Lode No. 1
Specializing in fine Custom Homes – Exclusive Designs..
District” was a noisy jumble of shacks, tents and
Silver City,N.M. 505.313.5140 888.217.7962 www.timberlandconstruction.com
western new mexico
University Museum Most surprising and awe-inspiring about the WNMU Museum in Silver City, NM is that it houses the largest permanent display of Mimbres pottery and culture in the world. M–F 9-4:30 • Sat. & Sun. 10-4 Free Admission • Handicap Accessible Photo by Anthony Howell
505.538.6386
www.wnmu.edu/univ/museum.htm
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filed on the Legal Tender mine, followed by the and Twin Lode Number 2. By summer miners were swarming into the area, and the “Silver Flat Mining brush huts. The miners wanted a proper town, however. They laid out the townsite on a grid and named it Silver City. The new town soon found it had another local resource besides its namesake metal: a good supply of brick-making clay. Brickyards began operating as early as 1871. Initially used for commercial building, brick became the preferred material for homebuilding as the 1880’s ushered in the Victorian Era, bringing the graceful and eclectic architectural styles still enjoyed in downtown Silver City today.
GRANT COUNTY EVENTS Jan May May May
7-8 TBA 12-14 26-28
3rd Annual Red Paint Powwow (505) 534-1379 Tour of the Gila Bike Race (505) 388-3222 Gila River Festival. www.gilaconservation.org 11th Annual Silver City Blues Fest (505) 538-2505 June 1-4 Wild, Wild West Pro Rodeo (505) 538-2586 June 10 8th Annual Pinos Altos Art Fair (505) 388-5202 July 4 Fourth of July Celebrations July 16-17 7th Annual Fiesta de la Olla – largest gathering and sale of Mata Ortiz Pottery in the US (505) 534-4269 Sep TBA Late Sep - Cliff-Gila, Grant County Fair Oct 1 7th Annual Pinos Altos October Fiesta (505) 538-5560 Nov 25 Annual Lighted Christmas Parade (505) 534-1700
ATTRACTIONS
Big Ditch Park. Park formed when flood lowered Main St. 55 feet. In town. Fort Bayard. U.S. Infantry post built in 1863. Housed Buffalo Soldiers. 10 miles east of Silver City. Gila National Forest/Silver City Ranger District. 3005 E. Camino del Bosque. 388-8201. www.fs.fed.us/r3/gila Kneeling Nun. Natural monolith resembling a praying nun. 15 miles east of Silver City at Santa Rita copper mine. Mimbres Region Arts Council. Scheduled events held throughout the year. 758-7289. www.mrac.cc Royal Scepter Mineral Museum. Rock shop, jewelry and gifts. 1805 Little Walnut. 538-9001. www.zianet.com/royal-scepter San Vicente Art Walks. Self-guided tour. Call for brochure with map showing galleries and studios within walking distance in downtown Silver City. 1-800-548-9378 Silver City Museum. Area history, Indian artifacts, mining exhibits and Victorian furnishings. 312 W. Broadway. 538-5921. www.silvercitymuseum.org Western New Mexico University Museum. Local and natural history including the Eisele Collection of Prehistoric Southwestern Pottery and Artifacts, the world’s largest permanent exhibit of Mimbres pottery. 1000 W. College. 538-6386. www.wnmu.edu/univ/museum.htm Bill Evans Lake. Fishing and primitive camping, 12 miles south of Cliff. Aldo Leopold Vista. Picnic and wilderness interpretive site, 6 miles north of Buckhorn. Turkey Creek. primitive trout stream northeast of Gila. Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. Cliff dwelling ruins from the 13th century. 44 miles north of Silver City. 536-9461 Lake Roberts. Camping, trout fishing, hummingbird banding, birding and stargazing. 28 miles north of Silver City. 536-3206. 40 miles north of Silver City. Lightfeather Hot Spring. Near Gila Cliff Dwellings Visitor Center. 30 minute walk includes 2 river crossings. 536-9461 Trail of the Mountain Spirits National Scenic Byway. Loops north on NM15 to Gila Cliff Dwellings Nat’l. Monument, southeast on NM35, and west on NM152 and US180. Hearst Church. Seasonal museum and art gallery. Built in 1898 with Hearst newspaper empire money. In town. Pinos Altos Melodrama Theater. Adjacent to the Buckhorn Saloon in the Pinos Altos Opera House. Great fun! Original melodramas. Call for seasonal schedule. 388-3848
LOCATION Silver City is at the junction of US180 and NM90. The Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument is north on NM15. TOUR Travel 44 miles southwest on NM90 and US70 to Lordsburg. MORE INFORMATION Silver City Grant County Chamber of Commerce 505-538-3785 1-800-548-9378 www.silvercity.org Mimbres Region Arts Council 505-538-2505 1-888-758-7289 www.mrac.cc
Wind Canyon Estates Located approximately 5 miles west of Silver City on Hwy 180 W. bordering the Gila National Forest, Wind Canyon Estates boasts breath-taking views - some as far away as Arizona. Enjoy the native vegetation of beautiful wildflowers, yucca, and stately piñon, juniper, cedar and oak evergreens. 10 acre parcels priced from low $80’s. Definitely a place to explore!
501 Silver Heights Blvd. • Silver City, NM
505-538-2931
http.//www.zianet.com/cber
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Arturo Terrazas P.O. Box 3077 • Silver City, NM 88062
505.534.TILE 505.590.7474
Top Agents, Top Service. Let us be your Realtor ! ®
Representing Dos Griegos Subdivision
120 E. 11th Street Toll-free (866)538-0404 • Office (505) 538-0404 www.prudentialsilvercity.com Email: info@prudentialsilvercity.com
SILVER CITY
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The Trail of the Mountain Spirits National Scenic Byway
Z
below: Geronimo, a determined Apache leader, was born near the headwaters of the Gila River and is recognized by a monument at the Gila Cliff Dwellings Visitor Center. opposite: Fort Cobre in Pinos Altos is the replica of an early fort that provided protection for area mining efforts.
THE WINDING BLACK RIBBON OF HIGHWAY CROSSES THE stunning mountains and canyons of Old West Country, past green farming valleys and historic villages. The Trail of the Mountain Spirits National Scenic Byway seems a road through time itself, recalling the ancient civilizations, nomadic Native American tribes, miners and settlers who once called this place home. Starting in the historic mountain village of Pinos Altos on the Continental Divide, the discovery of gold in 1859 created a boomtown. Today, the gold is gone, but the Old West character remains. Memorabilia and artifacts of gun fighters, Apache warriors and the ancient Mimbres culture are displayed in local establishments. A replica of Fort Webster, a log cabin schoolhouse and the old Hearst Church Art Gallery remicent of bygone times. NM15 takes the traveler into the three million acre Gila National Forest, past campgrounds and wilderness vistas to the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. A visitor center explains the life of the ancient Mogollon culture that inhabited the area. The nearby Geronimo Monument is dedicated to that Apache warrior, born in the area in 1829. The byway backtracks to picturesque Sapillo Creek on NM 35 and circles around Lake Roberts. Sandstone cliffs, marshes, campgrounds, lodges and an abundance of hiking, photo and birding opportunities create a year-round attraction. Crossing the Continental Divide a second time, the byway
“…A road through time itself, recalling the ancient civilizations, Native American tribes, miners and settlers who called this place home.”
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Bear Creek Motel & Cabins “We Care About Your Comfort”
“Unique Cozy Two-Story Cabins” • Fireplaces • Secluded Balconies & Porches • Phones & TV’s • BBQ grills. • Cabins with kitchens available. Nestled under the pines in historic Pinos Altos.
Gateway to the Gila Wilderness. Seven miles north of Silver City.
505-388-4501 888-388-4515 88 Main Street • P.O. Box 53082 Pinos Altos, NM 88053
www.bearcreekcabins.com
Buckhorn Saloon Opera Houseand
Serving Fine Food & Wine
Steak • Seafood • Chicken Burgers Salads • Desserts
drops into the Mimbres River farming valley.
Saloon Opens • 3pm - Dinner 6-10pm Closed Sundays
The church at San Lorenzo was built in the latter 1800s. NM152 passes the Santa Rita open pit copper mine that initially mined high-grade
505.538.9911 7 Miles North of Silver City On Highway 15 in Historic Pinos Altos.
Spirit Canyon Lodge & Cafe
ore for the Mexican mint. Today, mountains have literally been moved for the red metal. The final stop on US180 to Silver City is Ft. Bayard Hospital. Established in 1863 as
Birding • Fishing • Hiking Forest Trails Indian Ruins • Ghost Towns Hot Springs • Gila Cliff Dwellings 684 Hwy. 35, Lake Roberts
an operations center for the Buffalo Soldiers, it is now a National Landmark with a national cemetery, game preserve and a Buffalo Soldier statue.
LOCATION The scenic side trip loops north from Silver City and includes forest vistas, cliff dwellings, lakes, farmlands, historic villages, forts and mining operations. TOUR Travel north from Silver City on NM15 through Pinos Altos to the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. Travel east on NM35 past Lake Roberts and through the Mimbres Valley. Travel west on NM152 past Santa Rita copper pit and on US180 past Ft. Bayard and return to Silver City MORE INFORMATION Silver City Grant County Chamber of Commerce 505-538-3785 • 1-800-548-9378 www.silvercity.org
505-536-9459 www.spiritcanyon.com • info@spiritcanyon.com
Diosa Enterprises Diosa Enterprises is dedicated to group tour programs with "Vivacidad" [Spanish for liveliness]. Over 15 years of national tourism experience.We offer Step-on Guides, Itinerary Planning & much more for SW New Mexico. P.O. Box 1932 • Silver City, New Mexico 88062
505-538-5317• Email: etdssc@hotmail.com THE BAREFOOT HORSE Natural Hoof Care. Consultation, Scheduled Trims, Photo Record, Personal Clinics. Mark Jeldness, Certified Practitioner & Field Instructor for the American Association of Natural Hoof Care Practitioners. www.aanhcp.org • 505.313.4885 • www.lite-n-tuff.com • Silver City, NM
Where it All Began... OLD WEST 1-800-290-8330
www.oldwestcountry.com
Country
TRAIL OF THE MOUNTAIN SPIRITS NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY
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Lordsburg “The area was an overlap of cultures, once inhabited
by the likes of Curley Bill Brocius and Billy the Kid.”
g
below:The railroad ghost town of Steins west of Lordsburg provides a fascinating window into life at the turn of the previous century. opposite:The mining and stagecoach ghost town of Shakespeare south of Lordsburg has been carefully preserved as it appeared over a hundred years ago.
HISTORIANS AND WESTERN AFICIONADOS OF ALL AGES WILL ENJOY a visit to the Lordsburg and Hidalgo County area. For starters, just two miles to the south of Lordsburg is the ghost town of Shakespeare. Widely known as “the west’s most authentic ghost town,” it was once inhabited by the likes of Curley Bill Brocius and Billy the Kid. In fact, the latter was employed there as a dishwasher at the Stratford Hotel for a time after some trouble in Silver City. After Shakespeare, a short trip west of Lordsburg on Interstate Hwy. 10 will take you to the delightful railroad ghost town and museum of Steins. Call ahead for tour hours and dates – Shakespeare (505) 542-9034, Steins (505) 542-9791. A host of dignitaries is given tribute in the Lordsburg-Hidalgo County Museum. Elizabeth Garrett, blind daughter of legendary Sheriff Pat Garrett, penned parts of the
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New Mexico state song in Lordsburg. Charles Lindbergh landed in the “Spirit of St. Louis” and dedicated the Lordsburg airport in 1927. There are tidbits of information you won’t find anywhere else about silent cowboy movie star Tom Mix, U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor and territorial governor and Ben Hur author Lew Wallace. Artwork in the village of Rodeo, southwest of Lordsburg, will amaze you without breaking your retirement portfolio. Rodeo is also the gateway to the Chiricahua Mountains and the location of Geronimo’s surrender.
HIDALGO COUNTY EVENTS Feb
11-12
Jul
4
Aug Sep Dec
26-27 1-3 2
Cowboy Poetry Fiesta 505-542-9864 5K Run, Rodeo NM activities, Dance, Fireworks 505-542-9864 Hildalgo County Fair 505-542-9864 Tejano Fest 505-542-9864 Annual Light Parade, Moonlight Madness 505-542-9864
ATTRACTIONS
Shakespeare Ghost Town. Open monthly for guided tours. Call for schedule. 2.5 miles southwest of Lordsburg. 542-9034 Steins. Railroad ghost town located 20 miles west of Lordsburg. Open 363 days a year. 542-9791
LOCATION Lordsburg is located on I-10. Nearby are the ghost towns of Shakespeare and Steins. TOUR Travel 60 miles east on I-10 to Deming. MORE INFORMATION Lordsburg Hidalgo County Chamber of Commerce (505) 542-9864
Where it All Began... OLD WEST y 1-800-290-8330 www.oldwestcountry.com Countr LORDSBURG
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Deming “An extraordinary collection of memorabilia from
early frontiersmen and military operations” FOUR STATE PARKS, ACCESS TO MEXICO, YEAR-ROUND ROCKHOUNDING AND golf and a growing arts community are a few of the reasons Deming is a great small town, but residents here repeatedly cite its people as its greatest asset. The prehistoric cultures of the region, military operations, early agricultural activities and the arrival of settlers on the Butterfield Trail are aptly portrayed in a spacious museum, and a self-guided walking tour highlight’s Deming’s historic buildings. A host of festivals and local celebrations keep things lively for residents and visitors alike. The Deming Luna Mimbres Museum has developed an extraordinary collection of local history with artifacts from the ancient Mimbres and Casas Grandes cultures and memorabilia from early frontiersmen and military operations. Collections of gems, minerals and geodes are on permanent display. Deming’s sunny climate is ideal for all kinds of outdoor activities. If gems and minerals are your passion, you will also enjoy Rockhound State Park and visitor center southeast of Deming where specimens literally litter the ground. Each year, Rockhound events include guided trips, rock auctions and judging seminars. Deming’s calendar of events is left: This missionfilled with exhibits, fairs, style building was fiestas and tournaments at completed in 1866 Deming’s 18-hole golf course. and is an example of The Deming Duck Races the city’s continuing should be included in your commitment to downlist of quality of life experitown development. ences, with a purse for winopposite: The ning ducks, and for everyone Deming Courthouse else a week of parades, out(right) was utilized house races, contests, and for the trials of social events. suspected followers of Day trips from Deming Mexican include shopping and dinrevolutionary general ing in Palomas, Mexico, Poncho Villa picnicking and hiking in following his raid City of Rocks State Park on Columbus, and scenic drives into the New Mexico. Gila National Forest.
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LUNA COUNTY AND PALOMAS, MEXICO EVENTS Feb 10 Mar 9 Mar 11 Mar 9-12 May 6 Jul 4 Aug 23-26 Oct 14 Oct
Open House at the Pink Store Raid Day Commemorative Camp Furlong Days Rockhound Roundup Cinco de Mayo Fireworks and Entertainment at the Baseball Field Deming Duck Races Columbus Day Festival Second week in October Southwest New Mexico State Fair (Second Week) Dec 9 Christmas Light Parade Dec 10 Green Tea at Museum For more information on any of these events please call Deming 800-848-4955, Columbus 505-531-2663
ATTRACTIONS City of Rocks State Park. Rock formations formed from old volcanic ash flow. Campsites, botanical garden and visitor center. 30 miles northwest of Deming. 536-2800 Deming Arts Center. National and regional art shows. 100 S. Gold. 546-3663 Deming Luna Mimbres Museum. Minerals, gems, frontier military history and Mimbres exhibits. 301 S. Silver. 546-2382. www.zianet.com/deming Luna Rossa Winery. 544-1160. www.LunaRossaWinery.com Rockhound State Park. Collect up to 15 lbs of rocks. Campsites and visitor center. 14 miles southeast of Deming. 546-6182 St. Clair Winery. 546-9324. www.stclairvineyards.com Columbus Historical Society Museum. Southern Pacific Railroad Depot. 531-2620 Pancho Villa State Park. Botanical garden, camping and visitor center. In town. 531-2711 Tumbleweed Theater. 120 shows yearly, call for schedule. Delicious gourmet dinners served. 531-2311 U.S. and Mexico Port of Entry. 24-hour crossing Columbus / Palomas. 3 miles south of Columbus. 531-2686
LOCATION Deming is located on I-10. Nearby are Rockhound and Pancho Villa State Parks and Spring Canyon Park. TOUR ROUTE On I-10, travel 59 miles east to Las Cruces or 60 miles west to Lordsburg. On US180, travel 44 miles north from Deming to Silver City or travel south 31 miles on NM 11 to Columbus and another 3 miles to Palomas, Mexico. MORE INFORMATION Deming Luna County Chamber of Commerce (505) 546-2674 www.demingchamber.com
Deming, in SWNM on I-10, is a great hub from which to explore high desert “Old West Country,” nearby Old Mexico and Columbus, NM on the border. Majestic views and sunsets! Golf • Award-Winning Wineries • Mild Seasons Historic Museum State Parks • Rockhounding • Aquatic Center • Walking Trails Info Packet: Visitors Center, P.O. Box 8 (NMT), Deming, NM 88031 • 1-800-848-4955, ext.9 Website: www.demingchamber.com • Email: chamber@zianet.com
Where it All Began... OLD WEST y 1-800-290-8330 www.oldwestcountry.com Countr DEMING
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Columbus, New Mexico & Palomas, Mexico “Colorful history blends with
a
memorable international shopping and dining experience.”
OLD WEST COUNTRY’S 24 HOUR PORT OF ENTRY TO MEXICO IS LOCATED just a half-hour’s drive south of Deming, between the thriving communities of Columbus,
\
New Mexico USA and Palomas, Chihuahua, Mexico. The area became internationally
below: International culture is easily accessed in Palomas, Mexico, just across the border from Columbus. The town plaza overshadowed by a Catholic church is representative of Latin American communities and many New Mexico towns. opposite: Structures at Poncho Villa State Park in Columbus share the unique tale of an attack on U.S. soil and the retaliatory pursuit by U.S. forces.
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famous in 1916 after Mexican forces commanded by General Pancho Villa crossed the border before dawn and attacked Columbus and Camp Furlong, a U.S. army post located
www.oldwestcountry.com
just a few steps from the Border
in what is now Pancho Villa State Park. The Villistas also attacked the local bank and blew up the vault, which is still visible in its ruined
Shop our fine collage of authentic Mexican artistry and craftsmanship while sipping our famous Margaritasand then enjoy a traditional Mexican meal with live entertainment.
Bienvenidos a México.
condition today. Following a chaotic fight,
Day trips to Mata Ortiz Pottery Village (Reservationts Required). No Passport Required.
the raiders were repelled with heavy losses.
U.S. # 505-531-7243 • Mexico # 011-52-656-666-0106
Soon afterward, a punitive U.S. expedition was launched from Columbus into Mexico under the command of General John “Blackjack” Pershing, which included the first
OPTI-DIOR
FARMACIA EXPRESS BRAND NAME & GENERIC PHARMACEUTICALS
AMERICAN DENTAL CARE
14K Jewelry
EYE GLASSES TO GO IN 2 HOURS
Dr. Oscar Pe´rez Dr. Karla Marmulejo
Designer Handbags
DR. MIGUEL GARCIA M.
U.S. (505) 494-5078
ISELA VASQUES
U.S. airplanes ever flown in combat. Today the state park preserves buildings and artifacts related to the Villa raid, and the Columbus Historical Society Museum, located in the historic former Union Pacific Railroad depot, displays memorabilia from that time period. On a more peaceful note, every sort of native craft you can imagine – and some you can’t – is available just three miles to the south, where the sister city of Palomas offers a memorable Mexican shopping and dining
Martha Skinner Realty
Hacienda de Villa Motel
505-531-2467
505-531-1000
Fax: 505-531-7177 P.O. Box 587•Columbus, NM 88029 Email: martha@vtc.net
220 S. Hwy 11 • PO Box 567 Columbus, NM 88029
Borderline Animal Bed & Breakfast On-The-Border Pet Boarding
505-531-2288 20765 Columbus Road. SE Deming/Columbus, NM
COLUMBUS, NM/PALOMAS, MEXICO
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We carry all major liquor brands:
We also carry most US made major cigarette brands: Malboro Benson Winston Salem Capri Doral GPC And many other major brands.
Abslout Crown Royal Jonnie Walkers Chivas Regal Martell Buchanan Bailys Grey Goose Presidente
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Shopping Duty Free at Border Shoppers is an easy and fun experience before traveling into Mexico.
while you shop at La Casa de Pancho Villa, affectionately known as the Pink Store. Colorful, imaginative and skillfully made weaving, carving, pottery, jewelry and furniture are all right here, along with an excellent restaurant and cantina located
Shop at our convenient location right next to the Port of Entry in Columbus New Mexico and purchase quality named merchandise before you enter into Palomas, Mexico. Prices are 50% or more off what you would pay at liquor or discount stores in the U.S. You don’t want to pass us by in Columbus on your way to Mexico. See you at the border – Border Shoppers!
spend an entire day here. The store is hard to miss: it’s huge, painted bright pink, and about a block south of the border. Affordable medical, dental and prescrip-
Las Cruces
Deming
10
tion drug services also attract Americans to Palomas, which is undergoing rapid growth. New businesses like the duty-free
11
New Mexico Border Shoppers are being developed just north of the port of entry, Columbus
and the entire area is expected to continue booming well into the future.
Border Shoppers Palomas
USA MEXICO
25003 W. Plata • Columbus, New Mexico Tel. 505-531-7138 • Fax. 505-531-7134 2 locations in Arizona 70 N. Terrace St. & 50 N. Gran St. • Nogales, Arizona 520-287-9742 2006 OLD WEST TRAILS
tional border. Enjoy sipping a margarita
inside the store. Visitors find it easy to
Major brands of Tequilas bought at Border Shoppers prices are less expensive than in Mexico. For example – Don Julio, Corralejo, Jose Cuervo and Many Others.
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experience just a few feet from the interna-
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LOCATION Columbus, New Mexico, and Palomas, Chihuahua, are located on the Mexican border south of Deming. TOUR ROUTE Travel north 31 miles on NM11, returning to Deming, and east 59 miles on I-25 to Mesilla. MORE INFORMATION Columbus Chamber of Commerce, 505-531-2663 or 505-531-2479
~ DONA ANA COUNTY
Las Cruces SITUATED BENEATH THE RUGGED COUNTENANCE OF THE ORGAN MOUNTAINS AT THE southeast corner of Old West Country, Las Cruces basks in the sun along the rich farming valley of the Rio Grande. Originally a Spanish settlement, the community has been repeatedly rated by various expert sources as one of the nation’s top locations for business, retirement and tourism. Over 16,000 students attend New Mexico State University at its main campus here, while the city’s proximity to White Sands Missile Range and the urban centers of El Paso, Texas and Ciudad Juarez in Mexico assure a lively, fast paced and high tech local economy. Area museums and Ft. Selden State Monument at Radium Springs provide a glimpse into the lives of the region’s settlers and soldiers in the 1800's, with living history demonstrations highlighting most weekends at Ft. Selden during the summer. The Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum depicts the development of farming methods in New Mexico over the last 2000 years and showcases modern agriculture practices. The lyric opera, symphony, ballet and community chorus are major contributors to the area’s cultural foundation, in addition to full seasons of both community and university theater. Area festivals, fiestas and conferences celebrate the community's diverse heritage. Hiking trails on both sides of the Organ Mountains and walking and biking trails along the Rio Grande provide an outlet to Mother Nature. Day trips to White Sands National Monument, Elephant Butte Lake State Park, and the mountain playlands of both Silver City and Ruidoso give Las Cruces access to the great outdoors.
Y
Fort Seldon State Monument north of Las Cruces includes a visitor center and period demonstrations during the warmer months. Buffalo soldiers played a role in the fort’s history. Camp sites and facilities next door at Leasburg Dam State Park combine to create an intriguing desert experience along the Rio Grande.
“Ft. Selden State Monument provides a glimpse into the lives of the region’s
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settlers and soldiers in the 1800’s”
New Mexico's second largest city continues to build upon traditional roles that began with the coming of Spanish explorers and colonists over 400 years ago. Its cultural, recreational and economic development, however, are clearly tied to the region’s grasp of the future. DONA ANA COUNTY EVENTS Jan 14-15 14th Annual Mesilla Valley Balloon Rally, Swig Field (505) 526-7528/www.mvbr.com Apr 21-23 Border Book Festival. www.borderbookfestival.org May 6-7 Cinco de Mayo Fiesta: Saturday noon-midnight, Sunday 12-7:00pm Plaza, Mesilla Sep 16-17 Diez y Seis de Septiembre Fiesta: Parade (Sat. 11am) Avenida de Mesilla, Fiesta (Sat. noon to midnight, Sun. noon-7pm) Plaza, Mesilla Oct 6-8 Jazz Happening: Friday, 6-7:30pm Fountain Theater, Saturday, 12-8pm, Sunday 12-3:30pm Plaza and Mercado, Mesilla Oct 21-22 X Prize Cup: Come experience space and be a part of the next generation of space flight (310) 587-3355/www.xprize.org Nov 4-5 35th Annual Renaissance Craft Fair, Young Park (505) 523-6403/www.zianet.com/daac Sep 22-24 The Whole Enchilada Fiesta. Downtown Mall (505) 526-1938/www.twefie.com Sep-Oct Southern New Mexico State Fair www.snmstatefair.org Dec 24 Luminarias and Music: (Music from 5:307:30pm) on the Plaza, Mesilla For more information on any of the Mesilla events call 505.524.3262
ATTRACTIONS Blue Teal Vineyards. 1720 Avenida de Mesilla. 524-0390. www.blueteal.com Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park. Geological formations, desert flora, hiking trail and archaeology. 524-3334. www.cdnp.org Fort Selden. An 1800s cavalry fort that was utilized by the Buffalo Soldiers. A year-round visitor center and living history demonstrations on weekends May through September. Nineteenth century military encampments second Saturdays monthly year round. 505-526-8911 Las Cruces Historical Museum and Cultural Center. History exhibits, art and culture. 500 N. Water St. 541-2155. www.lascruces-culture.org Leasburg Dam State Park. Fishing, campsites and swimming. 19 miles northwest of Las Cruces. 524-4068 N.M. Farm & Ranch Heritage Museum. 300 years of N.M. agricultural history. 4100 Dripping Springs Rd. 522-4100. www.frhm.org Stahmann Farms. Pecan farm. Country store. 7 miles south of Las Cruces. 1-800-654-6887. www.stahmanns.com Gadsden Museum. Local history and Spanish and Indian artifacts. Located in the historic A.J. Fountain home. Call for appointment 526-8667 Mesilla Mercado. Every Thursday and Sunday on Mesilla Plaza. 524-3262 San Albino Church. Mission church built 1907. In town.
LOCATION Las Cruces is located at the junction of I-10 and I-25 between the Rio Grande and the Organ Mountains. TOUR ROUTE On I-10, travel south 44 miles to El Paso, Texas, or west 59 miles to Deming. On I-25, travel north 75 miles to Truth or Consequences. MORE INFORMATION Las Cruces Convention and Visitors Bureau (800) 3437827 or (505) 541-2444 www.lascrucescvb.org LAS CRUCES
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~ DONA ANA COUNTY
Mesilla “The charm and serenity may well transform one's hectic,
modern outlook on life to a calmer, more rational state.” STEP OUT OF YOUR CAR AND INTO ANOTHER ERA AT MESILLA Plaza, surrounded by Spanish territorial buildings and the towers of San Albino Church. The traditional gazebo evokes images of colorful old west fiestas, while the historic structures house a thriving business and cultural community. The seasonal aroma of roasting chile drifts through the narrow streets. Every door opens to a gallery, an antique shop, a bookstore, a coffeehouse, a dress shop or a collection of handmade jewelry. Charming shopping and dining plazas line Avenida de Mesilla, also designated Don Juan de Oñate Trail after the early Spanish colonizer. The road is part of the historic El Camino Real-Chihuahua International Trail. Mesilla served as regional headquarters for the Butterfield Overland Mail and Stage Line and also for the Confederate army. The town was a lively and rowdy social center in the 1880s. Billy the Kid was tried and sentenced to hang in Mesilla in 1881, but escaped before the sentence could be carried out. Bordering Las Cruces, the state’s second largest city, Mesilla offers a calming escape Stress relief is just a shopping bag away in from urban stress. Stay overnight in a balcony room and watch the moon climb over the rugged Organ Old Mesilla. The Mountains. The charm and serenity may well transform 1800s plaza and gazebo are surrounded one's hectic, modern outlook on life to a calmer, more by San Albino rational state. Bring your camera and hike or bike the Church…and lots of trails and back roads to the Rio Grande or through the shops. Clusters of miles of pecan orchards and chile fields. There’s a magajewelry stores and zine-quality photo experience around every corner in galleries, unique gift “Old Mesilla.” and collectables sources, restaurants, LOCATION Mesilla borders I-10 on the Don Juan de Oñate Trail, just south of Las Cruces. and frequent DIRECTIONS Travel north on Avenida de Mesilla into celebrations make Las Cruces or south on NM28, an alternate route to the old stage stop La Viña, Sunland Park and El Paso. community the MORE INFORMATION The J. Paul Taylor Visitor Center (505) 524-3262. www.oldmesilla.org perfect stopover.
f
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START YOUR
Mesilla
EXPERIENCE today!
World-class shopping and dining in the very buildings that kindled 150 years of vibrant Southwest history. Photograph a stunning plaza where the Gadsden Purchase was ratified, buildings that served the Confederate Army and the Butterfield Stage, and the courthouse where Billy the Kid was tried for murder. Take a self-guided tour, visit our museum, hike the river or bicycle through the pecan orchards on El Camino Real Scenic Byway. You’ll barely make a dent in one day, so plan to spend the night at our boutique hotel or old west bed & breakfast.
The J. Paul Taylor Visitor Center 505.524.3262
www.oldmesilla.org 2231 Avenida de Mesilla
Éy BEST the
Mesilla
Jewelry & Gifts
Book Center
Mesilla
Happy Trails
Spectacular designs in pearl and sterling silver jewelry. Handmade crosses, mirrors, Navajo pottery and fountains
History of the American West & Mexico • Children’s bilingual • Southwestern Architectural Style • Western Natural History • Indian arts and crafts • Gifts and More
If you need a place to brush off the trail dust this B&B has a spectacular view of the Organ Mountains overlooking Las Cruces. Minutes from NMSU, golfing, shopping & fine dining.
Itzel’s
2410 Calle De Parian, Suite A
Historic Old Mesilla
505-523-1877
Tues.-Sat. 11-5:30, Sun. 1-5
Bed & Breakfast
In Old Mesilla
On the Plaza in Old Mesilla
1857 Paisano Rd., Las Cruces, NM
(505)526-6220
(505) 527-8471 MESILLA
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GREAT
OUTDOORS ACTIVITIES FOR EVERYONE
THE DRY, MODERATE CLIMATE OF OLD WEST Country makes each day an opportunity for a new experience. Extraordinary adventures lie at the back door of every community in Southwest New Mexico. Bird watching is abundant in most Old West towns with guidance available from local and private groups. Observe and photograph one of nature’s late fall extravaganzas at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge near Socorro as thousands of migratory birds stop to feed and rest on their journey. Hike the trails of the region’s three national forests and enjoy the solitude of two major wilderness areas. State park trails also penetrate the challenging desert regions of Old West Country. The rugged terrain of Old West Country and its meandering rivers offers mountain and standard biking opportunities in each of the communities. A grueling 5-day bicycle stage race, the Tour of the Gila, draws top international cyclists annually to Silver City. Rockhounds scour the hills and historic mining camps for specimens throughout the region. The Mineral Museum in Socorro, Rockhound State Park at Deming, the open pit mines near Silver City, and the ghost towns of Mogollon, Winston/Chloride and Shakespeare offer intriguing insights into Old West geology. Fishing for bass and catfish doesn’t get any better than the warm water lakes along the Rio Grande. Stripers are trophy size at Elephant Butte Lake. Rainbow trout are the challenge of the mountain lakes and streams. Fishing, jet skiing, parasailing, scuba…it’s all available at Elephant Butte Lake, but pull out your electric motorboats for the smaller mountain lakes. counterclockwise from top left: Migrating water fowl at Bosque del Apache Refuge near Socorro. Rock climbing south of Lordsburg. Mountain biking near Silver City and throughout Old West Country. Jet skiing at Elephant Butte Lake. Packing and hiking into wilderness areas in the heart of Old West Country. Cooling off at a campground near the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument. Warm-water fishing at lakes near Truth or Consequences.
BIRDING
Late fall migratory birds provide spectacular bird watching and photo opportunities at Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge near Socorro. The Rio Grande and Gila River systems and all mountain regions are host to year-round birding. Hummingbirds provide a real treat in warmer months in the Lake Roberts and Gila Cliff Dwelling areas. 505-388-8201
HIKING
Apache, Cibola and Gila National Forest personnel maintain trail networks throughout the vast mountain region of Old West Country. Specific hiking areas include Aguirre Springs National Recreation Area at Las Cruces, Catwalk National Recreation Trail at Glenwood and segments of the Continental Divide Trail around Silver City. 505-388-8201
BIKING
Mountain biking roads and trails are scattered throughout Old West Country, while the sanctioned Tour of the Gila 5-day bicycle stage race is held annually in Silver City. Check with local visitors centers for recommendations.
ROCKHOUNDING
Gem and mineral activity is found throughout southwest New Mexico. Specific points of interest include the Mineral Museum at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology in Socorro, Rockhound State Park near Deming and the Chino open pit copper mine near Silver City. 505-388-8201
FISHING
Among the state’s major fishing waters are Elephant Butte and Caballo Lakes on the Rio Grande. Mountain lakes and streams are scattered throughout the Gila and Apache National Forests, including Lake Roberts, Bear Canyon Lake, Bill Evans Lake, Snow Lake, Quemado Lake and Wall Lake. http://www.state.nm.us/or 505-476-8000.
BOATING & WATER SPORTS Water skiing, scuba diving, jet skiing, sailing, parasailing and much more are typical activities at Elephant Butte Lake State Park. At most of the smaller mountain lakes, only electric powered motorboats are allowed.
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www.oldwestcountry.com
RV Parking
Security and serenity in the high desert. Live among the beauty and peacefulness of southern New Mexico. Couple that with the exciting civilizations, culture, geology and people of the historic southwest. Over 300 days of sunshine each year to enjoy golfing, swimming, hiking, hot air ballooning, exploring, and the Great American Duck Race. Live with security, serenity and peacefulness, yet fun and adventures are just minutes away. Enjoy State Parks, National Parks and Mexico! Participate in the many activities of the most active and comprehensive senior center in the southwest. Stay a picture of good health with Mimbres Hospital Medical Facilities & their state of the art medical technology. Keep smiling with great weather, pleasant hospitality of the area, & low cost of living.
Affordable Adult Living Custom Home Designs from 1,700 square feet. Fully Landscaped 1 Acre Lots (average) Deming’s only gated community Clubhouse with pool, spa, physical therapy pool, and exercise facility. Homes from the mid $100’s and up.
World Class Retirement!
“I love my second life at”
El Segundo Estates
2507 Silver Dollar Loop NE. Deming, New Mexico 88030
800-959-0508
www.elsegundoestates.com 2 miles north of Deming
GLENWOOD
LORDSBURG
Gila Cliff Dwellings
Organ Mountains
Mineral Hot Springs
Shakespeare
Desert Bloom Rock Climbing Our Lady of Health Church Catwalk Duck Races Elephant Butte Lake
LORDSBURG LAS CRUCES GLENWOOD DEMING
1-800-290-8330 www.oldwestcountry.com e-mail: info@oldwestcountry.com
DEMING
P.O. Box 884 Silver City, NM 88062
SILVER CITY
OLD WEST COUNTRY Southwest Region 2
Golf Course
A place where fortunes were made, hearts were broken and dreams were fulfilled!
LAS CRUCES
Silver City Museum
Where it All Began...
SOCORRO
Farm & Ranch Museum
To have new experiences...
Elephant Butte
SOUTHWEST NEW MEXICO
Bosque del Apache
OLD WEST y r t n u o C
Elephant Butte Lake
T OR C
SOCORRO
Mogollon
Lake Roberts
Willow Creek
SILVER CITY
T OR C
GLENWOOD
LAS CRUCES
SOCORRO
SILVER CITY
San Miguel Mission
DEMING
DEMING
PRESRT STD US POSTAGE PAID Silver City, NM 88061 PERMIT No. 10