A Forgotten Mining Town in New Mexico

A Forgotten Mining Town in New Mexico - After exploring Lake Valley & Hillsboro, we discover another historic silver mining boom town in New Mexico. Now largely forgotten to the outside world, this small town was one of the wildest towns in the Old West!!! Called the hidden gem of the Black Range Mountains, this gateway to the Gila National Forest is the perfect place to retreat! Find out why in this episode of SightseeingSally.
About me: I grew up in a small town the Midwest. Now I drive America's backroads exploring small towns, forgotten places, local history and more!
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#oldwest #forgottenplaces #newmexico #forgottenhistory

[@traceytrotter9934]

I like this little town, it's really pretty. The cemetery would be interesting at night. 😬 It is only 5 hours from me so maybe I will check it out next time I am in New Mexico. Thank you Sally and Marty! Had a great time. ☮

[@dubyacwh7978]

A few years back, my wife and I and our nine year old granddaughter spent a weekend at the black range lodge we had a wonderful stay there, but we had a huge surprise. It is reported that the lodge is haunted. Our granddaughter had to sleep with her grandmother to get any sleep at all but the food was excellent and our host was very courteous and kind. We also went in search of Kingston diamonds. I was surprised that you did not mention them. It turns out they are not actually diamonds, but are super clear crystals. None of them are very large, and most of them are somewhat diamond shaped. We also found that our parking lot at the lodge was full of small pieces of turquoise and see my wife and I we are rockhounds and we are trying to raise our granddaughter with an appreciation for geology. Your video is very entertaining and thank you very much for sharing.

[@ModelARickLasCruces]

I wouldn't have thought it's only an hour's drive from my home in Las Cruces!

[@All5AJz]

I am from Coyote Creek. New Mexico is an enchanted land. Glad people still come to discover all it holds.

[@thekillererica]

My grandma lived here as a kid!

[@bruceburch8301]

Cool place.water,trees,hills,nice.

[@HouseWinchester1874]

I love old American towns. There is just something unique and beautiful about them. Greetings from Australia 🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@richardbeee]

I love all of that area around there. History abounds. I'm a retired assayer, so always like shots of those old buildings.

[@glennhales7302]

Hey Sally, if you haven't already, you should read "The Black Range Tales". It is an awesome book about the area.

[@onrycodger]

They're a bunch of Wild an Crazy guys! 🤪.....when they moved on, they left NO silver behind!

[@joannunemaker6332]

It's so interesting to see how people lived years ago. Thank you for sharing this video.

[@SightseeingSally]

Glad you enjoyed it Joan, thanks for watching 😊

[@stephenvinson6474]

Fell in love with it the first time I saw it 20 plus years ago. I was on my way to Glenwood NM and decided to go thru the Black Range to Silver CIty. The feeling of anticipation I could see the Black Range as I made my way up that beautiful small highway. Magical!

[@t.s.butler191]

the small stone markers at the ""foot"" of the grave is called, rightly enuf, a footstone. usually only has initials. luv ur vids

[@duanelogan9633]

Always some of the best sightseeing videos on KZbin thanks Sally and Marty for all the great videos sightseeing Sally #1 🏆🌺👍✌️🏆

[@SightseeingSally]

Our pleasure! Glad you enjoyed it Duane 😁✌🏻

[@MeanderingMarty]

👍

[@dorindakay5069]

Thanks!

[@SightseeingSally]

Welcome! Thank you Dorinda Kay, hope you’re doing well 😊

[@MeanderingMarty]

Thanks it helps a lot.

[@travelobs57]

Your videos are high quality. You tell interesting local stories and make the past come alive.

[@SightseeingSally]

Thank you very much!

[@juliohur4001]

The grave stone that the symbols you asked about. The symbol on the left looks similar to what the Shriners use.

[@rgrader3691]

Great video, keep them coming. Love the old towns and especially the old cemeteries.

[@paulm749]

That really is some beautiful country. Years ago, me and some buddies spent a few days riding our motorcycles all over that area from Silver City, up into Gila National Forest and over to Hillsboro, passing through Kingston. Even made a day trip over into Arizona to enjoy the forests along Hwy 191 up to Alpine, AZ. It's an area that doesn't see a lot of tourists as it's so far off the beaten path.

[@Porty1119]

It's an interesting area to work in as well. I've worked in several mining districts on both sides of the state line, both surface and underground.

[@Materialworld4]

Thanks Sally, and after looking at the town I can see why you whispered. Beautiful location, but darn it looks cold, which is why Marty jumped back in the truck, smart man.

[@SightseeingSally]

Hahaha yes, he does that whenever it’s cold.

[@KW973]

Good morning Sally! That symbol on the Andrew Kelley grave is definitely one of the local chapters of the Shriners. The scimitar and crescent are all similar with slight variations.

[@SightseeingSally]

Oh wow! Guess Marty knew what he was talking about after all. Thanks Kevin, appreciate the info!

[@stephenoshaughnessy2279]

Regarding fresh water oysters, in the 1980s, I stopped by the old territorial prison in Yuma, Arizona. I discovered the Little Colorado river that ran along the side of the town. The bottom of the river was sand. I could sit down and the water was to my chest. When I burrowed my feet into the sand, I pulled out more oysters. I pulled out a lot of oysters and made an oyster stew that night.

[@juliogonzales5441]

Nice little town

[@SightseeingSally]

I agree.

[@garybryant6148]

Sally another outstanding video. Thank you and Marty. Be careful on your travels.

[@SightseeingSally]

Thank you! Will do!

[@cintroberts6614]

Sally you should research Yuma Arizona because it has a rich history and a wildwest past. I think the videos could go viral. Besides it is my home town and I want to show you around. Thank you Clint

[@kennethcurtis1856]

Mom and dad would winter in Imperial Valley in the mid to late 70s. Loved to see the Marine Silent Drill Team and the Golden Knights when I would make the trip from NW Indiana to Yuma to meet up with them.

[@hughwolfe1176]

Love learning about my “local” history, well ok, within a couple hour drive.

[@cleokey]

Worked near Silver City 50 years ago, this would be the suburbs

[@davidkoehler136]

Nice Hoodie

[@danielschmude]

Nice call on that iron gate. Cast iron expands upon cooling.

[@SightseeingSally]

I showed up Marty for once 😂

[@markwilkerson9785]

As always the journey with this dynamic duo puts one at ease and transports them right there for the exploration! This episode had a profound poetic entry. Bravo Zulu Sally in the way you teach us history. Your descriptive view is peppered with the spirit of John Steinbeck!

[@johnhaddad3401]

your video's get better all the time! Thanks for the peek at this town.

[@shotonbothsides]

Fantastic video. Those prints are coyote. Lions don’t leave a nail print when walking. And their paws are the size of your palm.

[@billyjones7845]

Sally, if you have time research the murder of Thomas Lyons. Thomas Lyons was from Silver City, New Mexico. At the time of his death he owned one of the largest ranches in the United States. Not only that, his cattle herd was one of the largest if not the largest at that time. His murder took place in El Paso, Texas in the early 1900s. I'm the great grand nephew of the hit man that murdered Lyons. No one knows who hired the hit man Felix Jones and this murder remains one of the most infamous murders of all time. There is a book written by Jerry Lobdell titled, The Last Train to El Paso which covers some of the evil acts committed by my uncle Felix Jones. I think you would enjoy reading about this unsolved mystery of years gone by. I enjoy your videos of New Mexico.

[@SightseeingSally]

Thanks Billy! Appreciate the tip. Sounds interesting. I’ll definitely look into this.

[@scottbatzler412]

The smaller stone with their initials is the foot stone

[@SightseeingSally]

I didn’t know there was such a thing. Thanks Scott! I just learned something new. 😊

[@scottbatzler412]

@@SightseeingSally I’ve learned that from watching sidestep adventures , might be a common thing in southern gravesites or maybe just older graves in general, haven’t really noticed around Wisconsin

[@rgrader3691]

@@scottbatzler412 Footstones are common for older graves in older cemeteries. I have spent time in 601 cemeteries (in 15 states) since 1979 and I have seen very few (if any) footstones in the newer cemeteries. I don't think they are allowed any more--mostly to facilitate mowing and maintenance.

[@ronalddawson3873]

I'm still watching. Great job and info. Stay Safe.

[@1954shadow]

M-A-R-T-Y!

[@MeanderingMarty]

😂

[@Harmonica.Mike.64]

Hi Sally this is my new channel. Bought a new tablet and started all my channels new. Loved the video.

[@Xyz22879]

My home town. You got some facts correct as some not exactly fact.

[@crobilly19]

I loved This!!!..Its so cool to me that people like yourselves still see the worth in visiting a place like this!!!..I found myself wishing i was walking along beside Y'all. In a way i guess i was, i really do thank you y'all for posting this...excellent

[@abqmal]

Thanks for sharing!

[@bonniekaye]

Interesting old town! 🙂👍♥️

[@SightseeingSally]

Very! We really enjoyed visiting Kingston.

[@markcantemail8018]

Sally tell Marty that he is safe . Catamonts will not Badger a Badger , good thing He has that Hoodie . Thank you for the Video

[@SightseeingSally]

Hahaha ok will do!

[@jackhuffman9313]

Bobcat paw prints

[@unclebilly1353]

Thanks for giving us a tour. The town of cloride is worthwhile checking out. Just north of Kingston. Gila's are a great place to explore.

[@stevenkaskus6173]

Thanks for the interesting tour

[@zanjero]

Yes its a Shriners Symbol, the star perhaps an Eastern Star Symbol, both a branch of the Masons.

[@mcnutterfudgn]

Thanks for sharing ❤

[@JulioAvalos3000]

Very cool.

[@sherrylandgraf556]

Thank you! Enjoyed your video!

[@raulpadilla9303]

Awesome videos, just love our state! Keep them coming!

[@SightseeingSally]

Thanks! Will do!

[@badgerpa9]

The symbol is used for Shriner Masons. Marty a badger can take a mountain lion! Another neat town and great video, thank you. Stay safe and healthy guys.

[@SightseeingSally]

Shriner Masons? Are they an offshoot of the Free Masons?

[@badgerpa9]

@@SightseeingSally Not all Masons are Shriners but all Shriners are Masons.

[@SightseeingSally]

@@badgerpa9 Ohh, ok, I get it now.

[@ms.annthrope415]

An hour from Silver City. I've been to Silver City when I was stationed in New Mexico in the Army in the 1980s. Lots of small, forgotten mining towns and western hideouts. Also been to Gila Cliff Dwellings in the Gila Mountains.

[@kennethharding9118]

been through,in,and around Kingston, Hillsborough, MIMBRES VALLEY, hanover all over the area there is a good Cafe on the south side of the main street but lm sure you found it. i was just there last Sept i love it when Im in New Mexico see you there soon

[@terrysanders2817]

Good research, excellent presentation.

[@gregorysarmas3619]

If you have an opportunity please view the movie called “The Shootist “.It was John Wayne’s last movie with Lauren Bacall,Ron Howard,Richard Boone and a few others.The drug used that the brothel employees drank plays a prominent role in the film.I enjoy the channel and history you narrate.

[@charausten5242]

Loved that movie. Thank you for mentioning it.

[@marksnyder8189]

It was called Laudenum. It was opium in a strong alcohol base. It was the only pain killer stronger than whiskey until ether was discovered in the 1840s in Georgia. Laudenum was used for all sorts of things. It was rather habit-forming and was outlawed in the early 1900s.

[@louisliu5638]

and Jimmy Steward played John Wayne's doctor.

[@earllutz2663]

Thank you for another history lesson.

[@SightseeingSally]

You bet! 😉

[@RioAbajoBelen]

Thanks for exploring our state and making videos about it. New Mexico is the 5th largest state in terms of square miles. Only Alaska, Texas, California and Montana are larger. Doug and Pam Belen, New Mexico U.S.A. The last frontier in the lower 48.

[@rafaeltorre1643]

Belen native. I left as soon as I graduated and if it wasn’t for my parent, would probably never have came back. But I appreciate my lengthy roots from there.

[@michaeldeierhoi4096]

I went through this town a few times in the past and it is exactly where I remembered it being. If one continues west on RT 152 you hit the Continental Divide which has good hiking trails. I was a little surprised to hear that Billy the Kid had come this far south cuz he usually hung out in Lincoln County to the north east a hundred miles or so In fact one his hang outs up there is a ghost town called White Oaks just north of Carazozo.

[@1954shadow]

Quiet now, whispers of the past brush by, disguised as a wistful, breeze.

[@SightseeingSally]

I love this! Don’t be surprised if I use this as a quote in a future video 😉

[@1954shadow]

@@SightseeingSally be my guest, you and Marty, inspired it.

[@joewenzel5142]

Nice quiet town.

[@doingitwithnothing]

We love NM too most piddled around in the Capitan NM area but seeing your video just now makes me think about this part of NM … I guess I have plan a trip huh??

[@garybryant6148]

Thank you Sally this was a very good video. I lived in Two Rivers, WI for about four months. Have a great day.

[@SightseeingSally]

Oh really? When?

[@garybryant6148]

@@SightseeingSally in 2001

[@glennjudd2467]

Outlaws knows ! What it is today ? It is quiet ! That is the part I like ! Must had alot of saloon!

[@SightseeingSally]

22 saloons if I remember right. At least one casino. Can you imagine the nightlife back in its heyday?! Definitely not a place for kids.

[@glennjudd2467]

@@SightseeingSally 22 , that makes sense ! Crazy time to be alive ! All about gambling & drinking & saloon girls ! Sad part so many kids didn't live too long !

[@AnnasBurningCuriosity]

so good

[@paultitus7569]

I have lived in Silver City since 83. 😊

[@DeeMoback]

We looooove the roadtrips .....yup....much appreciated

[@SightseeingSally]

Thanks Jay!

[@DeeMoback]

@@SightseeingSally oh yeah....always good stuff....but if you visited some of the places y'all went to several years ago I wonder what they look like now....for instance I hear lots of people are moving to Salton sea (can you believe it???)...

[@DeeMoback]

As a boy we fished and cavorted at Salton Sea.....yup

[@SightseeingSally]

@@DeeMoback People moving there. Really??? We are talking about going back again (it would be our 4th time). The Salton Sea is one of my favorite places.

[@DeeMoback]

@@SightseeingSally yup...people supposedly moving back....maybe to capitalize on lithium boom??

[@stevenkaskus6173]

V. Wedgewood was Born just one year earlier than my great-grandfather that I remember and just because he was tired of living he passed away at age 96 in 1970. He was around before Custer's last Stand and saw us blast off to the Moon.

[@tplyons5459]

Laudanum (tincture of opium) was really the only pain killer you could get back in those days. It was about 10% powdered opium.

[@wadetyler5056]

You may have missed the cemetery in Hillsboro, it sits above the town coming in from Lake Valley. Pretty interesting.

[@SightseeingSally]

We did. Not intentionally, just somehow forgot to check it out.

[@stephenvinson6474]

near where I live in west central Texs was a small town circa 1870's which was close to an early day fort here. As the story goes it was a rough and tumble "old west' town. One of its residents was a lady, Lottie Deno. She had a reputation as a gambling woman making her living in one of the saloons. She met a fellow, fell in love and decided to follow him out west. They landed in Kingston and made a living selling Mining shares. Eventually Lottie owned and operated a saloon in Silver City. The couple eventually settled in Deming NM and began a completely different life.

[@kittykat999a]

Whew you’re in the middle of nowhere.

[@robertbowers2926]

I went thru Pound about 5 years ago. I took a drive with my brother and we , I mean he , got lost. He ain't got no directional sense. Anywho... loved this story

[@clarencewsmith707]

Sally you and Marty better get your long handles out tonight if you plan on staying in the mountains, hey it’s me tooter from Del Rio tx

[@JohnShinn1960]

I'd love to go back in time, just to hang out there, just for a little while. Thanks Sally! Thanks Marty! 🤠👍 Can I ask what was in the jar in front of Virginia Wegwood's headstone? 3:38

[@SightseeingSally]

We don’t know, tried opening it but it was stuck shut.

[@JohnShinn1960]

@@SightseeingSally Darn. Thanks Sally!

[@kentonge1812]

great vid..more of the west .kiwi fan.

[@davidkoehler136]

so many burried and forgotten

[@joep9667]

lloyd christmas from dumb and dumber?

[@lisafayepranger8561]

the women likely had a form of TB or consumption, hence the Laudenum.

[@cherylmay595]

No they were prescribed that if they were depressed. Wyatt Earps first wife got addicted to that stuff and she'd just buy it at the drugstore. She used it for depression and headaches.

[@susancoy3096]

Laura I'm was an alcoholic based solution containing morphine(from opium) and used as a strong painkiller. Doc used it on Gunsmoke as did other old west doctors. Great video😃

[@SightseeingSally]

Thanks Susan! Now I want to go watch Gunsmoke 😂

[@oldschool8798]

*Laudanum

[@HWeseloh]

Black Jack Ketchum was hung in Clayton, NM. There used to be a Dairy Queen with his hanging picture above the Soda machine. The DQ is gone now. 💔💔 ⭐️ STRAIGHT OUTTA TEXAS

[@KIMI-xt4eb]

Enjoy your videos, I live in 87901 NM ,come soak and like and river fun.be well!

[@MeanderingMarty]

Thank you so much.

[@Machobravo]

I don’t quite understand why you didn’t spend a little bit more time talking about and visiting the black range lodge in Kingston.

[@motoqueirocometa3096]

Porque há tantas cidades nos Estados Unidos que foram abandonadas ??

[@SightseeingSally]

That’s a mystery I’m still trying to solve.

[@badgerpa9]

Often people follow the work and when there is no work or income people move to a location to make a living. Small towns like this often are there for the local business like a mine, if the mine closes there are no jobs.

[@motoqueirocometa3096]

@@badgerpa9 o presidente biden deveria investir em cidades assim para que não sejam abandonadas .

[@badgerpa9]

@@motoqueirocometa3096 It is not likely he would invest in protecting the old towns, he is old enough to have seen the towns before they became ghost towns. when he was a senator he voted to cut funding for National Parks not sure if he has changed his mind. The National parks did get over 9 billion increase before biden for maintenance and repairs of parks.

[@Michaeloftheland]

If I walk due east from my cabin I can start following perch a creek end up in Kingston after two days.

[@SightseeingSally]

Nice! It's such a beautiful area, too.

[@leroyrushingsr.9157]

Happy 420 Az

[@jamessilba2271]

Shiner and eastern star / masonic

[@stoneylonesome4062]

Baby Mabel

[@SightseeingSally]

Baby Mabel is no longer with us 😓 we escorted her to the rainbow bridge in September. She was almost 17 years old.

[@stoneylonesome4062]

@@SightseeingSally Baby Female? I miss her. She was beautiful.

[@SightseeingSally]

@@stoneylonesome4062 yes, thanks, she was! And, you're not alone. I miss her too!

[@SightseeingSally]

@@stoneylonesome4062 Not sure if you saw this, I made it as a tribute to Baby Mabel. Some of my favorite moments with her. kzbin.infoegJglWNapM8?feature=share

[@patrickrodriguez320]

Should visit mogollon NM

[@louisliu5638]

So many of these western mining towns are up 1,000's of feet in elevation.

[@briankay4229]

Fresh oysters? Must of been the Rocky Mountain variety.🤪

[@SightseeingSally]

Hahaha maybe

[@jimcurrier3922]

Shriner and Eastern Starr.

[@dks13827]

Kingston, NM

[@stephenmorton8017]

looks way hectic. how do they get any sleep there?

[@SightseeingSally]

Idk, was wondering the same 😜

[@kennethroy9974]

Shriners is hospital group charrit for kids

[@redbaron0949]

Marty, are mountain lions subject to attack something as large as a person without provocation, or is it hard to tell? I mean you hear of bear attacks, but hardly any mountain lions.

[@MeanderingMarty]

There are a few reports but I think it depends on how hungry they are. Thanks for watching.

[@kennethcurtis1856]

A video went viral a few months back of a mountain lyon protecting its cubs from an unsuspecting hiker.

[@cherylmay595]

Billy the Kid wasn't a bank robber. He was a product of his time.

[@mortonyakimadetectingthepa9015]

Mt lion ? Right...Those were dog prints

[@shakespeer1677]

Shriners/freemason/eastern star

[@jackosborne2851]

You missed the main story of the area: The McGee trial involving the New Mexico political machine and freedom of speech. The prosecutor was the notorious Albert B.Fall

[@user-re7iq3cn8v]

Huey and Mary Adkins