8 Historic Towns In New Mexico That Will Transport You To The Past
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Juliet White
Author
New Mexico has a lengthy history that dates back roughly 12,000 years! That heritage is the most obvious in certain places. While our state capital is the oldest in the nation, this list is devoted to towns, rather than cities. Here are eight historic towns in New Mexico that make you feel as if you’ve been transported to the past.
Lincoln's history is not only colorful, it's also well-preserved. Although the town was only settled in 1849, it has seen a lot of action, including a war
During the 1870s, a rivalry between two merchants escalated into the Lincoln County War, as townspeople took sides in the dispute. One of these individuals was Billy the Kid.
During the 1870s, a rivalry between two merchants escalated into the Lincoln County War, as townspeople took sides in the dispute. One of these individuals was Billy the Kid.
When the Treaty of Hidalgo ended the Mexican-American War in 1848, it also moved the border. Those who wished to keep Mexican citizenship established the town of Mesilla, just south of the new border. However, the 1853 Gadsden Purchase gave Mesilla to the United States.
The town contains many old buildings, including the impressive San Albino Basilica.
The town contains many old buildings, including the impressive San Albino Basilica.
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Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage site is located just north of Taos. But the town itself also boasts a number of historic homes. Kit Carson's old home is now the Kit Carson Museum, the Blumenschein Home dates back to 1790, and the fully-restored Martinez Hacienda serves as a great example of hacienda architecture.
Las Vegas was a popular stopping point on the Santa Fe Trail. The town's significance increased when the railroad arrived in 1879. Unfortunately, Las Vegas was also popular with outlaws. During the span of one month, 29 people were shot to death.
Nowadays, the town is much calmer but the beautiful buildings in the streets surrounding the Plaza certainly evoke the past.
Nowadays, the town is much calmer but the beautiful buildings in the streets surrounding the Plaza certainly evoke the past.
Mogollon is an old mining town which produced more than $1,000,000 in gold and silver ore per year between 1912-1915. It is now a semi-ghost town, with many intact wooden and adobe buildings and a few seasonal businesses.
Tucumcari gives you a glimpse of what Route 66 was like during its heyday - a blaze of neon signs along with kitschy curio stores.
The history of the town of Socorro stretches back to 1615 and the establishment of the San Miguel Mission. After the Pueblo Revolt, the town was abandoned for more than 100 years. You can still visit the San Miguel Church and also view the Victorian architecture that came later.
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"Young Guns" was filmed in Cerrillos for a reason. This turquoise mining town is truly a blast from the past. Although the town once supported 21 saloons and four hotels, the atmosphere today is decidedly sleepy.
Which is your favorite historic town in New Mexico?
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