Posted in New Mexico April 14, 2020 by

Here Is What Life In New Mexico’s Tiny Towns Looked Like 100 Years Ago

How do you think you would have fared during life a century ago? Times seemed simpler—though much rougher and dangerous—when compared to today but it’s always interesting looking back at old photos. The following photos depict life a century ago, between 1912 and 1925. During that time, life rapidly evolved with the advancement of medicine, living conditions, and more. Let’s take a look!

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
1. Have you heard of legendary boxers Jack Johnson and Jim Flynn?
George Grantham Bain Collection, The Library of Congress/Flickr
On Independence Day 1912, they participated in a boxing match over in Las Vegas, New Mexico.
2. In the spring of 1916, a group of women takes part in a quilting circle on the Mescalero Apache Reservation in southern New Mexico.
Reverend James O. Arthur, Smithsonian Institution/Flickr
3. Here, Reverend James Arthur, a missionary, rides on horseback with three of his young children near Ruidoso in 1917.
Katherine Arthur, Smithsonian Institution/Flickr
4. In 1917, these Apache men were participating in a 100-yard race on the Mescalero Apache Reservation, located near Ruidoso.
Reverend James O. Arthur, Smithsonian Institution/Flickr
5. In early 1916, a group of Chiricahua Apache men used an oat separator machine on the Mescalero Apache Reservation.
Reverend James O. Arthur, Smithsonian Institution/Flickr
6. Senior leaders inspect a battalion's equipment before an Army exercise in Columbus around 1916.
DeGolyer Library, SMU Libraries Digital Collections/Flickr
If you look closely, you'll notice all the equipment (in this case, cooking supplies) are all lined up in a similar fashion.
7. Here, Army personnel travel by truck from Columbus to El Paso.
George Grantham Bain Collection, The Library of Congress/Flickr
This 80-mile journey likely would have taken most of the day between 1915 and 1920 since most vehicles reached 10 miles per hour.
8. Citizens of Columbus may recognize that lovely two-story train station.
George Grantham Bain Collection, The Library of Congress/Flickr
Between 1915 and 1920, a group of engineers unloaded undisclosed equipment at the station.
9. Sometimes, heading out into town meant having a reason to dress to the nines.
Spiced Coffee/Flickr
This photo shows a mother and daughter returning from town with their horse and buggy.
10. In 1923, Carlsbad Caverns was designated a national monument by then-president Calvin Coolidge. Here's a peek at one gentleman enjoying the view by stalactites.
U.S. Geological Survey/Flickr
11. Finnish painter Akseli Gallen-Kallela lived near Taos between 1923 and 1926. Here, he is speaking with a member of the Taos Pueblo.
Gallen-Kallelan Museo/Flickr
12. This Finnish couple settled in the growing Taos art community and pose in front of their home in 1925.
Gallen-Kallelan Museo/Flickr
How different do you think the town looked during that time?
13. Camping in 1924 looked quite a bit different than it does today! Two men set up a campsite in present-day Cibola National Forest.
George H. Cook, Forest History Society/Flickr

What was life like for your ancestors living in those days? Have an interesting photo or story to share? We’d love to hear from you!

Within just 20 years of these photos being taken, life in New Mexico became vastly different. Check out some images of daily life in These 15 Candid Photos Show What Life Was Like In New Mexico In The 1940s.

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