A Ghost Town In Middle of Nowhere New Mexico

[@howitzer8946]

I love following your well documented adventures. You and Marty went above and beyond for this one. Thank you. And folks share this, so SSS channel will grow.

[@SightseeingSally]

It was quite the experience, I’m still trying to catch my breath lol 😂 other than flying I think that’s the highest altitude point I’ve been. Thank you, you’re awesome 🤩

[@tommanion5504]

Stumbled upon your site a few days ago, and it took me back to the Fourth of July weekend of 1988. I was stationed at Holloman AFB outside Alamogordo. The Wife and I "dumped" the kids off onto some friends and set out on a long weekend in the pickup camper. Big circle up to Carrizozo > Socorro > Magdalena > Mogollon > Silver City > Las Cruces (5 nights). Yes, we visited Magdalena, Kelly, Kingston, Hillsboro and Lake Valley. Wonderful memories! About the railroad going to Kelly, the Santa Fe had the Magdalena Branch that took off from the El Paso line in Socorro (don't know what year) that ended on the West side of Town. On East side of town, there was a wye that was the start of the Kelly Spur, which went about halfway to Kelly. At the road fork to Kelly / Hop Canyon (0:50), there is the remains of what could have been a smelter. Referencing the aforementioned picture, looking behind you and to the right was the smelter, while behind and to your left is where the rail line ended.

[@ms.annthrope415]

I was stationed in white sands missile range in 83-86, and fun on Friday night was to drive as fast as we could to Alagordo without getting a ticket, walk around thr Alamagordo Mall, get a BigMac, then drove as fast as we can back to WSMR. Yup, that was our exciting Friday nights.

[@earllutz2663]

Thank you Sightseeing Sally & Marty, for this video trip, to the town of Kelly, N.M. incorporated 1884, I believe that you said. The year ( 1884 ) remind me of my favorite Author, Laura Ingalls Wilder, with her ( Laura) and family, in the town of Desmit, S.D., in the early 1880's, when Laura was a teenager. Also, like all of us, who can't know everything, I very much appreciate Marty's comments and information. I have enjoyed all of your videos that I have watched so far.

[@SightseeingSally]

I used to have the box set of Laura Ingalls Wilder’s books when I was a kid. I read them over and over until the binding started falling apart.

[@rustysmith5809]

Im not being facetious when I ask this, and Im not correcting any of you; but when you say " early 1880s, "do you mean the first 5 years of the decade, or do you actually mean, the early 1800s?

[@SightseeingSally]

@@rustysmith5809 I meant in the first part of 1880 as in sometime between 1880-1885

[@rustysmith5809]

@@SightseeingSally right, I know what early 1880 is, its the first half of the decade. There were a couple places where it sounded as if the century was in question, not the decade. Like I said, Im not correcting anyone, just want to follow the story properly without mis underhearinating the info.

[@WilliamTerry-tf1my]

I love Sally. Marty is good too. I was watching this video and saw on my screens side panel thumbnails. It was a video you so bravely shared about your health challenges posted a year ago. It really inspired and fortified this old man. Lightened my load and dare I say got me emotional! I did not cry because I dont do that. I found your utube channel a couple of weeks ago and found yall's travels enjoyable and informational. Thank you both, Bill

[@dorindakay5069]

Thanks!

[@SightseeingSally]

Welcome! And thank you Dorinda. Your generosity is greatly appreciated 😊

[@MeanderingMarty]

Thank you so much.

[@jamesrockford6700]

You and Marty are really on the MOVE!!!! God bless both of you!

[@SightseeingSally]

Thanks! Yes, we’ve been putting on some miles, both on foot and on the road.

[@halhoffman3888]

Thanks for all the hiking and research Very interesting

[@badgerpa9]

Looks like fun. To bad that mine had caved in would be a nice place to visit. Stay safe and healthy.

[@Porty1119]

Not that one it isn't! That drift (the Kelly Tunnel) has some of the worst ground I've seen in New Mexico. It's very unstable. There's a much larger opening further up the canyon towards the Germany Mines complex that's safe to enter, though a bit of a climb. The more modern mine a few miles south of Kelly is in good repair. In a few years I'd like to lease it and get a core drill crew up there; indications are that it has a good deal of ore left and closed due to market conditions at the time rather than being played out.

[@badgerpa9]

@@Porty1119 good luck.

[@tim_bbq1008]

19:06 That's a control point left behind by a surveyor in the last few years...

[@rustysmith5809]

Its been said, by my older relatives ,now deceased, that Arizona and New Mexico has so many holes, tunnels and mineshafts, that they whistle and howl a woeful tune so the miners of the past can find their claims. When its quiet, thats when the old miners would lose their way and fall down an abandoned shaft or break a leg in a hole.

[@juliogonzales5441]

Love 😍 your videos...Sally and Marty

[@SightseeingSally]

Thanks Julio 😃

[@davezepnick1161]

When Marty was looking down the shaft, I’m still falling 😂

[@SightseeingSally]

You’re not alone Dave. That view through the camera gave me the heebie jeebies, too

[@janemerrittmckenna2386]

Wonderful! Thanks again! I'm a faithful follower of your adventures.

[@SightseeingSally]

Awesome, thank you! Nice to 'meet' you Jane 😊

[@debs4573]

So sorry about your migraine; they make you feel miserable 😢. I’m glad it’s over! This town looks mega abandoned.

[@SightseeingSally]

Thank you Deb ❤️

[@jameslaupan6499]

Hello again Sally and Marty, great to see you two again. I woulda thought you were done in New Mexico, but you keep finding awesome little out of the way places. Just keep doing your thing, and taking us along with you, I'm loving the trip, THANKS, Cactus Jim from Hillsboro

[@SightseeingSally]

We are loving this place called New Mexico so much we’re finding it hard to leave, Cactus Jim 😉

[@jameslaupan6499]

That’s why they call it “the land of entrapment”! Looking forward to the next installment of Sally and Marty, lost in some place (in New Mexico) cheers

[@derekboberg9766]

@@SightseeingSally As a New Mexican, I will say that its hard to drive more that 30 miles without running into another ghost town, historic site, or just beautiful area to explore!

[@128titanic]

Hello Sally, Welcome! Thank you for your video and sharing the travel scene! Happy valentine's day and happy Lent holiday! Happiness to dear Sally!❤!🧡!

[@thoughtbubble3010]

I go to school nearby, and have had a few adventures in the Magdalena mountains. The old settlement ruins throughout the mountains are interesting

[@cintroberts6614]

Sally you might feel better this time of year in Yuma Arizona because it is much warmer. You might want to do a video about Yuma because there is alot of history here. Thank you Clint.

[@sumgai2585]

I concur. It was a bit chilly last night though. My thermometer out here off C read 38°

[@cintroberts6614]

@@sumgai2585 I would like to keep you warm.

[@sumgai2585]

@@cintroberts6614 but what would happen when it gets 🥵 hot?

[@cintroberts6614]

​@@sumgai2585 It will never be as hot as you.

[@sumgai2585]

@@cintroberts6614 if you figure out the message on my KZbin channel you may email me. No other woman in Yuma batts an eyelash at me.

[@rebeccazody1278]

Amazingly well done! Loved this video.

[@SightseeingSally]

Thank you 😊

[@robertriegler8785]

Where is Kelly? You are 6 weeks ahead of my NM trip. I have set aside a week to do "The Loop"~~Caballo State Park to Route 152 to Route 180 to Route 12 to Route 60 ending up in Magdalena. Spending March in Texas N/NW of Pflugerville headed to Hobbs NM. All back road two lane roads. No rush. April southern NM, May northern NM. "Off the Beaten path" in The Raven.

[@duanelogan9633]

Don't you just want to go down into one of those caves it's so nice to take a trip and never leave the house thanks Sally and Marty for the video 🏆🌺👍✌️

[@SightseeingSally]

Only if you go in first Duane. That way you can take out any snakes that might be hibernating in there lol ✌🏻😜

[@RWX348]

Hope you're feeling better. Beautiful country with lots of history. Love that drive from Datil to Socorro past the VLA, etc. Have camped in nearby Water Canyon. I still have not made it to Kelly, but now I know I must! Magdalena is great with it's old railhead for mining and cattle drives (yeah, I'm a train nut). Thanks for another stellar video. You guys rock...glad I found you!😊

[@SightseeingSally]

Thanks Randy, I am! Sounds like you know the area. Water Canyon - is that BLM land?

[@RWX348]

@@SightseeingSally Water Canyon is Cibola NF land. It is located between Socorro and Magdalena. The road in there continues up the mountain to the Langmuir Lightning Lab and the Magdalena Ridge Observatory (near South Baldy Peak at about 10K feet). Not a winter place! West on US 60 is Datil (past the VLA), where there is a BLM campground (Datil Well), that is a a very inexpensive place to stay with full facilities. I do my travels during the warmer months and sometimes stay there to break up drives from Tucson to northern New Mexico. I have lived in Arizona most of my life, but my heart is in New Mexico.🙂 So much to see!

[@travelobs57]

Your videos are very interesting and well done. You take the time needed and there is no hurry. Good background research makes this authentic.

[@gregboyden564]

thanks for another great video on unique places in America. It always amazes me that there are still obscure place to find that are hidden in 21st century America

[@hughwolfe1176]

So glad I discovered your channel and that you’ve been exploring New Mexico as we’re new comers and I love learning about where I’m living and who came before me… Stay safe and rid yourself of that migraine

[@bradfordbarrettluckotheIrish]

Great job Sally & Marty

[@caroljames6371]

Imagine what it was like to live and work there! Love watching you two discovering and exploring cool stuff and places most of us don't know existed! On to the next adventure!!!

[@tplugnickel]

Awesome! Thx for the tour,,

[@SightseeingSally]

You’re welcome Tom

[@cherylpearson1963]

Love your videos, thank you for doing this. I'm still watching some of your older content. Loving every minute🥰🥰🥰

[@michaelwilliams374]

I really enjoy your channel. You and Marty are a great history team. Well done 👏

[@highplainsdrifter8034]

Well if poor poor Marty disappears we’ll know where to look! LOL

[@garybryant6148]

Another outstanding video. Thank you Sally and Marty for sharing your adventures wish I could join y’all. With so many openings could be air shafts. I’m waiting with great anticipation the next video.

[@SightseeingSally]

Thank you! Excellent point about the air shafts

[@tonyhill6300]

I like watching your videos because of the history and stories that you convey so well. I love your sense of humor also. My Dad’s name was Marty

[@hubertvancalenbergh9022]

Fascinating premises!

[@rustysmith5809]

You mentioned moving buildings when relocating; my grandad told me they would burn down their old shacks and shantys and dig through the ashes for the nails and hardware, like hinges, and door latches. ( not necessarily in Kelly, but during their travels when he was a boy.)

[@eross686]

The town site would have been across the road to your left on your walk back to the truck. You will walk all around and see areas where buildings/dwellings once were.....old glass, metal, tin, cans, rotten boards, lumber, fence posts and even places where they dug out the ground and piled rocks around for walls or windbreak. Pretty large area and brushy but easy to spot.

[@griswald7156]

Reminds me of the cornish tin mines,..lots of hard rock miners left Cornwall in the Victorian era..and went to america. As the tin industry was collapsing. But Camborne is still the epicentre of hard rock skills.

[@roymichel1856]

Another awesome travelogue! Thanks again for bringing the past into our present consciousness. 👍

[@shotonbothsides]

Why, no mention of the quote “lady on the mountain“? She is visible while traveling between Magdalena and Kelly mine on Magdalena peak. It is the profile of a woman the likes of which were often seen on brooches. And only a 3 to 5 seconds segment on Smithsonite? From the famous Smithson family of the Smithsonian. Copywriting the name Smithsonite for all of the turquoise colored pigmentation, which was used throughout America in the 40s and 50s in lawn furniture, paint, floor covering and anything with a turquoise Tint. Now, Smithsonite on eBay goes for a pretty penny. Some of the most beautiful and delicate jewelry rivaling turquoise. That was not a telephone pole as Marty claimed. It was one of two poles that held up the Kelly Mine sign. How do I know that? Because I have the sign in my front yard. I saved it from ruin as it had fallen on the ground. It’s weathered pine with the words, Kelly, Mine, and below that, the word Smithsonite. Since you mentioned, Magdalena would be your next stop, I strongly suggest you do some image research on “lady on the mountain”. She is the most powerful spirit of all that envelopes the area.

[@sumgai2585]

Any ore with blue is copper. Turquoise for instance is almost pure copper. That railroad deadend is called a Spur line. The first specimen was New Mexico Leaverite. Up in Idaho are lots of ghost towns. The Sawtooth Recreation Area and down in the Wood River Valley there was lots of Silver mining. Also way north at Kellogg...not involved with the grains. Most Silver mining was destroyed by the big bankers. They didn't "play out" they got run out. Not one Silver processing mill is left in America. The left over from Copper/Zinc mining is where it appears. Was the mineral you couldn't remember Molybdenum and you didn't want to pronounce it? ;)* ma-lib-day-numb

[@KarlMcCleve]

I used to get really bad migraine headaches. I discovered I was allergic to MSG. For years I avoided anything with MSG and since then I've had very few migraines. I hope you find this information helpful.

[@arthurpeterson246]

Allways enjoy the videos, you two stay safe out there!

[@gregwarner3753]

Ann and I visited Kelly a couple of times. We were visiting the Very Large Array Radio Telescope and we stayed in Magdalena. We really liked the place although never enough to move to the area. Now that I am a widower I do not have the energy to visit again. Enjoy what New Mexico has to offer.

[@lewstone5430]

I’ve been enjoying your trip through New Mexico. I used to live in Madrid, NM, another old mining town (coal). I lived in a refurbished mining shack, wrote and played music there, and generally had fun. There’s also Golden, NM which is close to Madrid on the Turquoise Trail. Happy exploring!

[@brianbeccapeasley8411]

Do you remember the Golden Inn that was in Golden?? It's no longer there.

[@lewstone5430]

@Brian & Becca Peasley unfortunately no. I just used to pass Golden going between Cedar Crest and Madrid. I think there was only one or two buildings left standing with no signs on them. This was between 2007 to 2014/2015.

[@lewstone5430]

@Brian & Becca Peasley do you remember how many years ago the Golden Inn was still standing? Was it still in use back then?

[@brianbeccapeasley8411]

I don't remember when it was torn down, I believe it was many years before 2000. My great grandparents owned it & ran a restaurant/bar from what I've been told. I am still looking for pics of it from back then. My cousin is the one who told me they had demolished it at some point!

[@lewstone5430]

@Brian & Becca Peasley ah ok, interesting. Thanks for the reply!

[@sandyzalecki1145]

There are so many abandoned mines around the South West. I lived in New Mexico for 11 years. Most of it is still in the middle of nowhere. Thanks for showing us your travels.

[@MoellerEngineeringCo.]

Marty is not so shy anymore! He needs his own channel now.

[@SightseeingSally]

Lol

[@dabaflub]

You'r braver than I am. That's too far down to risk even getting close to those mine openings, especially with snow on the ground!

[@malcolmlagares8245]

Excellent video. I Love these kinds of travel and explorations. Thanks. 😊

[@SightseeingSally]

You’re welcome and thank you 😊

[@doingitwithnothing]

Where do you guys stay the nights while exploring ??

[@kimberlychicago7608]

Good video!

[@1954shadow]

“A hoist, a hoist, my claim for a hoist!”

[@master.of.reality]

Great video

[@marcinasia1731]

white oaks is a cool mining town

[@augustharter981]

Kelly new Mexico was interesting!! I had a lengthy comment but somehow it got lost before I could post it. At any rate I really enjoyed this video. Thanks for sharing

[@lawrencedow76]

love your hat !❤

[@dukainmanning7246]

I just started watching your channel. Considering I live in El Paso Texas, I plan on visiting those places in southern New Mexico. Keep making awesome videos and Happy Trails💛

[@justnerdystuff]

I have to wear sunglasses even when there are clouds because my eyes have always been super sensitive to natural light, to the point that if I don't have sunglasses on a super bright sunny day (grew up in AZ) I literally could not open my eyes. Have had to stop at a gas station many a time due to broken sunglasses. So don't worry about wearing your sunglasses.

[@KarlMcCleve]

My daughter lives in Silver City New Mexico. On different occasions when all visiting her I have walked around and there are many interesting sights there. I don't know if you've done a show on it but I think it would be very interesting to your viewers

[@glennjudd2467]

How are you feeling today ? Those migraines are no fun ! Another great video !

[@SightseeingSally]

I’m better thank you Glenn!

[@bryantint1339]

I should visit. I have been to Magdalena, New Mexico in 1997.

[@wannabetowasabe]

The regular railroad ended at Magdalena and that is why the town is often called "Trails End." Livestock trails ended at Magdalena where both sheep and cattle would be loaded onto railroad cars for shipment east. There was a small ore cart type system up at Kelly. I lived in Magdalena in the late 70's and early 80's and poked around a bit while I was there working for the U.S. Forest Service. When I was there I wrote up a short brochure on the ghost towns of the area. I don't know it they still have something similar available at the Ranger Station in Magdalena. Magdalena is not in the middle of nowhere, it is on the edge of one of the most remote areas in the lower 48 states. The area east of U.S. 191 in Arizona, New Mexico, west from I-25, south of Gallup, and north of Silver City, New Mexico is sparsely populated and contains some out of the way places.

[@caverbrad]

A train did go up to within a mile and a half of Kelly. You can see it on the right old topo maps. I never did visit Kelly but recall seeing the line when going through the area two years ago. The VLA Very Large Array is cool to visit and a trip west to Pie Town is worth it if you love pie.

[@t4om154]

I'm from the UK and I've been to the USA a few times (Florida and NY lol) Tbh these new mexico ghost towns are fascinating. I think my next visit to the USA may well be to new mexico so we can explore some of these those towns.

[@SightseeingSally]

I like that! Safe travels and happy exploring when you get here.

[@bonniekaye]

*Sorry about you having had a migraine, but I DO love your sunglasses!* Awesome video!! 🙂👍❤️

[@SightseeingSally]

Thank you 🤗 you’re always so kind Bonnie ❤️

[@bonniekaye]

@@SightseeingSally You're welcome, beautiful Friend!

[@allencheck501]

Hey sally thank you for the tour ive been to kelly a few times .i also watched your tour of kingston today ,used to take my younger siblings camping up at thecalamity jane min😮e then i think it was like 8 yrs or so ago got hired to cover a few mines kind of north of calamity theres a boy scout camp back in there and these wide open very deep shafts presented a real danger to inquisitive boy scouts soo i took the dozer and covered them up did a little more work on the road by the cemetary. It started behind the kingston lodge and came out on the hiway further west of town really enjoyed your vids thank you ,subscribed so ill be watching.dont know if youve done lake valley yet did sme work over there as well as up in the caballos on the east side of the lake, very interesting area up there ,have fun but be careful!😊

[@jaimesolorza4186]

...there are some cool mining head frames and tunnels...we have explored it several times. Our very first "ghost" incident occurred there back in 2011...we were not ghost hunting..we were hiking...after we went back into Magdalena for coffee we shared our story and the owner replied, oh yes, it's haunted!! Yikes

[@davezepnick1161]

Know what you’re going through Sally with the migraines I’m dealing with one right now 😢

[@SightseeingSally]

Oh no, I hope you feel better soon Dave!!!

[@KarlMcCleve]

Another small community that you should check out is shumway Arizona. It's been there since the 18s. There's a neat schoolhouse and other things to see

[@jeffreywhite2272]

thank you. 👍👍👍👍👍 👌

[@pamelafinch9880]

But Sally, you're not in the middle of nowhere till you're in "Middle of Nowhere, NM"...is it on your list? 😂

[@thesonhaslife]

So not a fan of migraines , have one right now . Ty for your videos , help to make the day brighter 🥰👋

[@SightseeingSally]

You’re welcome Jean, I hope you’re feeling better soon!! 🌻

[@conniewojahn6445]

The difference between abandoned places like this and bustling metropolises is money. People flock to locations where money can be made - such as mining - and when the money source runs out, they rush off to the next money making place. Metropolises now are places of multiple ways to make money, not a single source such as mining. The lives here would have been centered on money and moving when the source ran out, people didn't come to stay any longer. Their junk stays and rusts and rots.

[@richardbeee]

Kelly is rather interesting. You can still find some amazing beautiful specimens of Smithsonite. The green or blue is usually associated with copper. I believe what you were holding in your hand (gold?) was probably copper sulfide or iron pyrite which is also a sulfide. The best way to tell is to smell a fresh broken piece of it. If it smells like a well seasoned fart, you know what you have. Thanks for the thanks:-) I'll send y'all my email and # in case you ever get this way. I have a few you-tubers that pop in on me every once in a while. Be careful. Peace.

[@brandylittle9186]

I know you posted this a year ago but hello from this New Mexican! We have several ghost towns here in New Mexico

[@scottbatzler412]

I’d like to metal detect some of the old buildings

[@SightseeingSally]

I think you’d probably find some cool artifacts here, maybe even a little bit of silver or copper

[@celestetaylor1751]

Near Magdalena NM?

[@SightseeingSally]

Yes

[@stevegray9674]

Alice Cooper? Alice's Restaurant? Alice Kramden? Brady Bunch housekeeper? I give up... Who in the Sam Hill is Alice?😎😉

[@SightseeingSally]

Ah, grasshopper, you may recall a song by Smokie called Living Next Door to Alice. This begins the journey for the answer you seek.

[@1954shadow]

M-A-R-T-Y!

[@SightseeingSally]

M-o-u-s-e lol

[@1954shadow]

@@SightseeingSally “Here he comes to save the day … who knows what, he’ll say!”

[@SightseeingSally]

@@1954shadow you got that right hahaha

[@MeanderingMarty]

😂

[@michaelroucoulet3294]

you guys are my online freinds!

[@SightseeingSally]

Hey Michael 👋🏻 just wanted to say hi

[@williamwurthmann1573]

Go BADGERS...

[@DaveMathison503]

The graves would give you some information of the towns people. But yea trying to do your thing during daylight and one day can't blame you for not wanting to scratch around in the snow. They're not going anywhere....maybe later or someone else will do it.

[@jasonrogers143]

If your in texas I got no problem driving you around

[@olivei2484]

I have book on the New Mexico mines, if I can find it, Ill check on Kelly.

[@olivei2484]

I found it, "Old Mines and Ghost camps of New Mexico" Fayette Jones, 1968. Reprint from New Mexico mines and Minerals, 1905. Not much on Kelly, lead orginally mined, and zinc was an after thought. But made a lot of cash off the zinc.

[@73honda350]

Galena?

[@onrycodger]

First!....If you ain't first....yer last, lol 😆

[@SightseeingSally]

Lol that’s right

[@betonarchese]

Zinc was for house paint.

[@flobp2381]

The gravestone looks like US gov issued military headstone..

[@RollowArlin]

At 3:40 there's a guy in the background taking pictures.

[@cbacamartinez]

Rattlesnakes don't hibernate in the winter and can come out to warm up. So be careful. tfs

[@SightseeingSally]

Thanks!

[@harmonyriverranch299]

If you look at the map it shows that they're sleeping arrangements in that town

[@jackpalmer724]

😎😎😎

[@chars437]

👋

[@rustysmith5809]

A rock, that didnt have enough mineral? Isnt that a contradiction in terms? 🤣🤣🤣

[@sharonthomas651]

Fools gold what are you talking about lol My hometown

[@jamesrockford6700]

Who is that woman behind those FOSTER GRANT SUNGLASSES????? lol lol lol

[@SightseeingSally]

Lol I remember when they used to air commercials for them

[@jeffreywhite2272]

Thanks!

[@SightseeingSally]

You bet! Thank you, appreciate it.