7 Vibrant Historic Towns in New Mexico
New Mexico, located in the southwestern region of the United States, is the country's fifth-largest state. Nicknamed the Land of Enchantment, New Mexico offers much to see and do. It is also a land steeped in history. Evidence of early human settlement was first discovered in New Mexico. When the Spanish and Colonial settlers arrived, they plunged the state into an era of war. Fast forward to 1945, when J. Robert Oppenheimer and his team of scientists detonated the world's first atomic bomb in the region.
Today, many New Mexico towns stand as monuments of rich history and endless charm. Some are bustling cultural centers, while others lie abandoned. However, all of them are worth a visit.
Taos
Take a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of New Mexico with a stop in Taos. With over 5,000 people, Taos is a busy tourist town with several historical sites listed on the National Registry of Historic Places.
One such location is Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO world heritage site. Taos Pueblo is a multistorey Native settlement made of water, straw, and earth, with approximately 150 inhabitants. These buildings have been inhabited continuously for over 1,000 years and are believed to have been constructed long before Columbus set foot in America.
Constructed in the 1960s, The Rio Grande Gorge Bridge is another landmark in Taos worth visiting. Those daring to peek over the edge can take in the knee-knocking view of the gorge and river 600 feet below. The bridge is the fifth highest in the United States and has been featured in several acclaimed Hollywood movies such as Wild Hogs and Terminator Salvation.
Experience the multiculturalism in Taos, by visiting one of its many churches, like the San Francisco de Asis. Built in the 1800s, this 200-year-old church is the only original one of its kind still intact in the area.
Every year, community volunteers and parishioners band together to replaster the exterior walls of the church in adobe (a mix of straw, clay, sand, and water) to protect it from the elements.
Mogollon
Mogollon is a ghost town that stands as a testament to the American West and New Mexico's mining history. Named after a Spanish governor, Mogollon was once a bustling mining town. The only people who live there now are the caretakers who look after the 100 historic buildings.
Mogollon has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1987. While strolling through this ghost town, visitors must stop at the Mogollon Museum, The Cemetery Archives, the Mogollon Theatre, and the General Store. The rusted cars and abandoned mining carts make for conversation-worthy photos.
Los Cerrillos
A town that once housed the country's largest turquoise mines, Los Cerrillos, is now home to 200 residents who preserve its history. If you are a fan of Westerns, chances are you might recognize some of the buildings on First Street featured in movies like Young Guns.
Most visitors head over to the Cerrillos Turquoise Mining Museum to look at artifacts leftover from the Old West and mining districts or step into the shops to pick up a souvenir.
Avid hikers or bikers passing through the town should consider visiting The Cerrillos Hills State Park. It has five miles of trails, many passing by old mining shafts and pits that are worth a look.
Mesilla
Mesilla, once a major thoroughfare between San Diego and San Antonio, is now considered a small town. However, as it hasn't changed much since the 1800s, visitors get a real sense of what it looked and felt like way back when.
One of Mesilla's most prominent attractions is the Mesilla Plaza. Step into the Wild West when taking a stroll through the plaza, which was constructed in the 1840s. Dotted along the streets of the historic plaza are touches of modernity in the form of shops, boutiques, restaurants, and galleries that add charm and make Mesilla a superb tourist attraction.
Located in the plaza is another historic attraction, the Basilica of San Albino. Built of adobe like much of New Mexico's historic architecture, the Basilica is a homage to the town's Catholic heritage. Inside the Basilica, stunning Biblical frescoes adorn the walls, and intricately carved statues add to the beauty. Constructed in 1906, the Basilica started as a small chapel named after the town's Patron Saint. It has been expanded but remains a breathtaking example of Spanish architecture.
After long hours spent exploring, visitors can stop at one of the many restaurants in Mesilla to fuel up before more sightseeing. The restaurants in Mesilla are unique in that they source their produce from local ranches and farms, thereby ensuring the freshness of their ingredients. One of the most popular restaurants in Mesilla is La Posta. It has been a Mesilla staple since the 1800s and is famous for traditional Mexican food such as enchiladas and tamales.
Tucumcari
Route 66 takes you on a scenic drive through New Mexico, and Tucumcari is one of the stops along the way. Visitors usually stop to take in the stunning view of Tucumcari Mountain and visit the town's many museums, like The Tucumcari Railroad Museum and the New Mexico Route 66 Museum.
The town is home to 5,000 residents, abandoned relics like the Western Drive-Inn and Ranch House Cafe, and restored buildings such as La Cita Mexican Restaurant and the Blue Swallow Motel. Most visitors love to take in the large murals dotted along Tucumcari's streets that showcase the town's culture and history.
Socorro
The history of the small town can be seen in its architecture. Socorro has been through many eras. Once a quaint colonial town, it developed into a mining district and, then, a modern township as seen today.
Over 400 years old, one of the most popular historic sites in Socorro is the San Miguel Mission, a beautiful adobe church. At the front of the Mission lies the campo santo, or cemetery, that is still used today.
Another must-see site in Socorro is the Elfego Baca Heritage Park. Visitors can take in the numerous monuments in the park to learn about the town's history. The park inherited its name from a character of the Wild West, Elfego Baca, and Walt Disney created a series based on the same character called "Elfego Baca: The Nine Lives of Elfego Baca."
While in Socorro, make time to visit the El Camino Real Historic Trail Site, which offers several activities. View the gift shop, classroom, theater, amphitheater, and observation deck, or go horseback riding or take a nature walk.
Hillsboro
Established in 1877, Hillsboro is one of the oldest small towns in New Mexico. Once a gold and silver mining town that produced over $6 million in these precious metals, Hillsboro is now home to ranchers, writers, and artists.
Sites of historical significance worth seeing in Hillsboro include the Black Range Museum, constructed around 1893, and the old country courthouse. There are also many artist studios, gift shops, galleries, and cafes for shoppers and foodies to explore. The town hosts many yearly events, including the Apple Festival, community Christmas party, Christmas in the Foothills, and music festivals.
New Mexico is a great place to learn about North America's Spanish and colonial history, the American-Mexican War, and the Wild West. Whether you love towns that are steeped in history and culture, the great outdoors, or are an enthusiastic globe trotter, these New Mexican towns should be on your list of places to visit.
