6 Towns in New Mexico that Transport You to the Past
Do you ever wish you could just slip out of this era and go back to when things were simpler? How about experiencing pivotal moments in history for yourself? While time travel is impossible right now, a trip to New Mexico can get you there. This Mountain State enjoys clearer skies perfect for star gazing, hot summers for sunbathing, and cold winters for skiing. Many peoples have lived on this great land, as early as the Clovis culture of the Paleo-Indians. Today, tourists can explore White Sands National Park, visit Taos Pueblo, and go hot-air ballooning in Albuquerque. So hop aboard the memory lane express and prepare to be transported into the past!
Mesilla
A hub of activity since the mid-1800s, Mesilla went to great lengths to maintain its historical architecture. The Old Mesilla Plaza is one place where this is incredibly apparent. This plaza was built in 1848 and is listed as a National Historic Landmark District with its surrounding buildings. The San Albino Basilica, located just a minute's walk away, was constructed in the early 1900s on the site of an 1852 church. If you are looking for the closest thing to a time portal, this Catholic basilica should be your stop. Of course, it would be wise to visit a place like the Gadsden Museum for all the local historical artifacts—mostly Native American and Wild West memorabilia.
Lincoln
There are a lot of small towns across America with the late president’s name; this one in New Mexico is home to the Lincoln Historic Site, a village of 17 preserved buildings where the infamous Lincoln County War occurred in the late 19th century. One of the most notable sites is the Tunstall Store, which sells dry goods and has been doing so since 1878. Speaking of old, the Old Lincoln County Courthouse is quite an essential part of the town’s history and was the site where Billy the Kid escaped. Beyond the historic site, the Lincoln Historic District is a 2,300-acre district home to 48 contributing structures, ranging from the 1887 San Juan Mission Church to the 1860s Torreon, a 20-foot tall stone tower.
Silver City
Silver City was built on top of a mining boom, and its historic downtown shows many 19th-century buildings there remain in use. Visiting the Silver City Museum could shed more light on the town's history through its exhibits and artifacts. The museum itself is located in a former fire station and Italianate home dating back to the 1880s. Similarly, a trip to the Western New Mexico University Museum abounds with Native American & Southwestern artifacts. Those looking for a more direct insight into the past can visit the nearby Santa Rita Copper Mines Historical Marker, an open-pit copper mine from 1909. Enthusiasts also must visit the Murray Hotel: a 1930s-era Art Deco hotel still in operation, with original décor and fixtures.
Madrid
Closer to the United States than Spain, this eponymously named small town has preserved small miners' houses and repurposed them as art galleries and shops. With a rich coal mining history, Madrid was once a booming coal mining town that supplied fuel to the Santa Fe Railroad in the 1800s. Its people are proud of their heritage and enjoy businesses such as The Mine Shaft Tavern & Cantina, which you can enjoy after checking out The Turquoise Trail, which is a fairly scenic spot. Visitors can move on to more artistic attractions at the Jezebel Studio and Gallery and Soda Fountain or check out more on the town’s heritage at the Madrid Old Coal Town Museum.
Jemez Springs
Nestled amidst breathtaking red sandstone formations, Jemez Springs is a small town steeped in history and natural beauty. The area’s geothermal hot springs have been used for medicinal purposes for centuries, offering a soothing retreat for visitors. The Jemez Springs Bath House, established in 1860, is a State Historical Site and a perfect place to relax in naturally warm waters while immersing yourself in the town’s heritage.
History enthusiasts will find the 1621 Jemez Historic Site fascinating, with its well-preserved rocky structures showcasing the remnants of Native American and Spanish architecture. For a truly unique experience, the Jemez Soda Dam—a collection of 15 hot springs with a history dating back to 2,500 B.C.—offers a glimpse into the geological and cultural past of this remarkable region.
Raton
Raton has been greatly influenced by the Santa Fe Trail as the town grew to become a significant stop along this historic route. The Raton Pass was once a key route for settlers heading west; even today, there are visible wagon ruts you can see. The Raton Museum is a great palace from which to start, detailing the history of coal mining, railroads, and pioneers of the region. For a different way to experience the past, the Shuler Theater has been operating since 1915 and still retains its original design and rustic vibe. Many of these towns have a mining legacy, but if you are tired of all that and can make a 30-minute drive east, the Capulin Volcano National Monument gives you a preserved view of what settlers would have encountered while making their way west.
Final Thoughts
Learning about things that have gone by is important to see how things could be and how quickly they can change. Similar to knowing history helps you predict the future, visiting New Mexico can help teach one about the past. It is equally important to learn about one's heritage and probably more pressing to understand if we are ever to carve a prosperous path into the future instead of repeating blunders. The Southwest region of the United States is a gateway to the past, a great teacher for the future, and an incredible destination with breathtaking sights that are worth seeing.
