New Mexico is home to some of the most fascinating ghost towns in the American Southwest. These abandoned settlements offer a glimpse into the past, telling stories of boom and bust, hope and hardship. Join us as we explore the history and locations of these eerie yet captivating places.

1. Shakespeare

• Location: Near Lordsburg, Hidalgo County, southwestern New Mexico.
• History:
  Founded in the 1850s as a stagecoach stop, Shakespeare briefly flourished during the silver mining boom of the 1870s.
  The town was once a hotspot for outlaws, including the infamous John Kinney Gang.
  By the 1890s, the mines dried up, and the town was abandoned.
• What’s Left: A few preserved buildings, including the Stratford Hotel and the General Store, which are now part of a privately owned ghost town experience.

2. Lake Valley

• Location: Sierra County, about 20 miles south of Hillsboro.
• History:
  Lake Valley was a thriving silver mining town in the late 1800s after the discovery of the "Bridal Chamber," a massive silver deposit.
  The town’s population peaked at around 4,000 but declined rapidly when the silver market crashed in the 1890s.
  The post office closed in 1954, marking the town’s official end.
• What’s Left: Several crumbling adobe structures, a schoolhouse, and a cemetery. The area is now part of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and is open to visitors.

3. Steins

• Location: Just off Interstate 10, near the Arizona-New Mexico border.
• History:
  Steins was established in the 1880s as a railroad watering stop and later became a bustling community with a post office, saloons, and a mercantile store.
  The town’s decline began in the 1940s when the railroad bypassed it, and the post office closed in 1944.
• What’s Left: A restored ghost town with original buildings, including a jail, mercantile store, and schoolhouse. It’s now a tourist attraction with guided tours.

4. Pinos Altos

• Location: Just north of Silver City, in the Gila National Forest.
• History:
  Founded in 1860 after gold was discovered in the area, Pinos Altos quickly grew into a thriving mining town.
  The town faced attacks from Apache warriors, leading to the construction of a fort for protection.
  By the early 1900s, the gold ran out, and the town was abandoned.
• What’s Left: Several restored buildings, including the Buckhorn Saloon and Opera House, which are still in use today. The town also has a museum and offers guided tours.

5. Elizabethtown

• Location: Near Eagle Nest, in Colfax County, northern New Mexico.
• History:
  Elizabethtown was New Mexico’s first incorporated town, established in 1866 during the gold rush.
  At its peak, the town had a population of over 7,000 and boasted hotels, saloons, and a newspaper.
  The town declined in the 1890s as the gold ran out and a fire destroyed much of the remaining structures.
• What’s Left: A few ruins, including the old cemetery and the foundation of the courthouse. The area is now privately owned but accessible to visitors.

6. White Oaks

• Location: Northeast of Carrizozo, in Lincoln County.
• History:
  White Oaks was a thriving gold mining town in the late 1800s, known for its lively social scene and prosperous mines.
  The town’s decline began in the early 1900s when the mines closed, and the railroad bypassed the area.
  Famous outlaw Billy the Kid was rumored to have frequented the town.
• What’s Left: Several well-preserved buildings, including the No Scum Allowed Saloon and the Old Schoolhouse. The town is a popular spot for history buffs and photographers.

Why Visit New Mexico’s Ghost Towns?

New Mexico’s ghost towns are more than just abandoned settlements—they are windows into the past. Each town has a unique story to tell, from the gold and silver rushes to the struggles of frontier life. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a photographer, or just looking for a unique adventure, these ghost towns are worth exploring.