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!

1. Have you heard of legendary boxers Jack Johnson and Jim Flynn?

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.

3. Here, Reverend James Arthur, a missionary, rides on horseback with three of his young children near Ruidoso in 1917.

4. In 1917, these Apache men were participating in a 100-yard race on the Mescalero Apache Reservation, located near Ruidoso.

5. In early 1916, a group of Chiricahua Apache men used an oat separator machine on the Mescalero Apache Reservation.

6. Senior leaders inspect a battalion's equipment before an Army exercise in Columbus around 1916.

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.

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.

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.

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.

11. Finnish painter Akseli Gallen-Kallela lived near Taos between 1923 and 1926. Here, he is speaking with a member of the Taos Pueblo.

12. This Finnish couple settled in the growing Taos art community and pose in front of their home in 1925.

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.

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.