Secrets Of New Mexico’s Ghost Ruby Towns

Have you ever wondered about the ghost towns of New Mexico? These abandoned places hold stories of the past, waiting to be told. Once bustling with miners and settlers, now they stand silent, echoing history. Exploring these towns feels like stepping back in time. You can almost hear the clinking of tools and the chatter of people. Each town has its unique charm and mystery. From the eerie streets of Cerrillos to the haunting remains of Chloride, there's something fascinating about these forgotten places. Ready to uncover the secrets of New Mexico's ghost towns? Let's dive in!

Secrets of New Mexico's Ghost Ruby Towns

New Mexico, known for its vast deserts and rich history, hides some intriguing secrets. Among these are ghost towns, once bustling with life, now silent and eerie. These towns tell stories of a bygone era, where dreams of striking it rich in the ruby mines brought people from far and wide. Let's uncover the secrets of these ghost ruby towns.

1. Shakespeare

Shakespeare, once a thriving mining town, now stands as a testament to the boom-and-bust cycles of the Old West. Its well-preserved buildings offer a glimpse into the past.

• Shakespeare Hotel: Once the heart of the town, this hotel hosted miners and travelers alike.
• Grant House: A former residence turned museum, showcasing artifacts from the town's heyday.
• Old Courthouse: Where justice was served, now a silent witness to history.

2. Mogollon

Nestled in the mountains, Mogollon was a bustling town during the ruby mining boom. Today, it offers a peek into the rugged life of miners.

• Silver Creek Inn: Originally a boarding house for miners, now a charming bed and breakfast.
• Mogollon Museum: Displays artifacts and photographs from the town's mining days.
• Old Jail: A small, stone building that once held rowdy miners.

3. Lake Valley

Lake Valley, once a prosperous mining town, now lies in ruins. Its abandoned buildings and empty streets tell tales of fortune and loss.

• Lake Valley Schoolhouse: A one-room schoolhouse where children of miners learned their ABCs.
• Chapel: A small, wooden church that served as the town's spiritual center.
• Blacksmith Shop: Essential for keeping mining equipment in working order.

4. Chloride

Chloride, a town that thrived on mining, now offers a quiet retreat for history buffs. Its well-preserved structures provide a window into the past.

• Pioneer Store Museum: Once a general store, now a museum filled with relics from the town's mining era.
• Grafton Cabin: A restored miner's cabin, showcasing the simple life of early settlers.
• Chloride Bank: The town's financial hub, now a reminder of its prosperous days.

5. Steins

Steins, a railroad town turned ghost town, offers a unique blend of mining and railroading history. Its deserted buildings stand as silent sentinels of the past.

• Steins Railroad Depot: Once a bustling hub, now a quiet reminder of the town's importance.
• General Store: A place where miners and railroad workers bought supplies.
• Old Schoolhouse: Educated the children of Steins, now a relic of the past.

6. Elizabethtown

Elizabethtown, one of New Mexico's earliest mining towns, now lies in ruins. Its remnants tell stories of ambition and hardship.

• Dorsey Mansion: A grand home built by a wealthy miner, now a crumbling relic.
• Old Cemetery: Final resting place of many who sought fortune in the mines.
• Mining Ruins: Scattered remnants of the town's once-thriving mining operations.

7. White Oaks

White Oaks, a town that saw rapid growth during the mining boom, now stands as a ghostly reminder of the past. Its historic buildings offer a glimpse into a bygone era.

• No Scum Allowed Saloon: A lively watering hole during the town's heyday, now a popular stop for visitors.
• White Oaks Schoolhouse: Educated the children of miners, now a museum.
• Old Opera House: Hosted performances and gatherings, now a silent monument to the town's cultural past.

8. Dawson

Dawson, a coal mining town with a tragic history, now lies abandoned. Its empty streets and buildings tell stories of both prosperity and disaster.

• Dawson Cemetery: Final resting place of miners who perished in tragic accidents.
• Company Store: Once provided goods to miners and their families.
• Old Mine Shafts: Silent reminders of the town's once-thriving coal industry.

9. Kelly

Kelly, a town that thrived on mining, now stands deserted. Its abandoned buildings and mine shafts offer a haunting glimpse into the past.

• Kelly Mine: Once a bustling site of activity, now a quiet ruin.
• Old Church: Served as the town's spiritual center, now a crumbling relic.
• Miner's Cabin: A small, simple dwelling that housed the town's hardworking miners.

10. Cuervo

Cuervo, a town that saw its heyday during the mining boom, now lies in ruins. Its deserted buildings and empty streets tell tales of ambition and decline.

• Cuervo Schoolhouse: Educated the children of miners, now a ghostly reminder of the past.
• Old Gas Station: Once served travelers and miners alike, now a crumbling relic.
• Abandoned Homes: Scattered throughout the town, offering a glimpse into the lives of its former residents.

Discovering New Mexico's Hidden Gems

New Mexico's ghost towns offer a unique glimpse into the past. Exploring places like Chloride, Madrid, and Cerrillos reveals stories of boom and bust. These towns, once bustling with miners and merchants, now stand as silent witnesses to history. Walking through abandoned streets and buildings, you can almost hear echoes of a bygone era.

Visiting these ghost towns isn't just about history. It's also about experiencing the rugged beauty of New Mexico's landscapes. The desert and mountains provide a stunning backdrop to these forgotten places. Whether you're a history buff or just looking for an adventure, New Mexico's ghost towns have something to offer.

So pack your bags, grab a camera, and set out to uncover the secrets of these fascinating towns. You'll leave with memories and stories that will last a lifetime.