Glenrio Is A Ghost Town In New Mexico With A Fascinating History That You Should Know About
By Courtnie Erickson|Published May 13, 2021
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Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
There are some small towns in New Mexico that were once a bustling area with successful businesses, a strong economy, and the potential for much growth. Unfortunately, today, these areas show little sign of life. Glenrio, located in the northeastern part of the Land of Enchantment, is one New Mexico town that was once busy and exciting but has since turned into a true ghost town.
Glenrio sits on the New Mexico and Texas state border and was founded in 1901. This was once a beautiful small town filled with wheat fields and cattle. Some movies, such as “The Grapes of Wrath” even had scenes filmed in the area.
There were two post offices in this town — one in Texas and the other in New Mexico. Depending on laws, prices, and other conditions, it would affect where certain accommodations were built. For example, the gasoline taxes were higher in New Mexico so all of the gas stations in this small town were built over the Texas state line.
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The railroad was built in this New Mexico and Texas town. Years later, Route 66 traveled through the town as well. Glenrio quickly saw many tourists who would stop at a motel or diner as they passed through.
Years later, more change occurred when Interstate 40 was paved outside of the town. Glenrio saw a drastic decrease in tourists and business. Many travelers began to avoid Route 66 and traveled on the interstate due to faster speeds and more direct routes.
Glenrio was never the same. In the late 1980s, only two residents remained in Glenrio. However, after a short time, they also left this rural town.
Today, as you drive around Glenrio, you will see many signs of what life was like in this small New Mexico town including old motel signs and gas stations.
Have you ever been to Glenrio, New Mexico? If so, we’d love to hear about your experience in this incredible ghost town.
If you are looking for other ghost towns to visit while in the Land of Enchantment, here are eight creepy ghost towns you’ll want to visit at your own risk.
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