New Mexico Ghost Towns

County: Colfax 

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Year Established: 1866

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Year Abandoned: 1931

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Location: Drive north 4.8 miles from Eagle Nest on New Mexico 38 and turn left onto the dirt road. 

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About: 

Elizabethtown, New Mexico, holds a fascinating history as a once-thriving mining town in the late 19th century. Elizabethtown was founded in 1866 after rich gold and copper deposits were discovered in the Moreno Valley.

The town quickly became a bustling mining community, attracting prospectors and settlers seeking their fortunes.

The town was named after the wife of a prominent local prospector, Captain William H. Waite. Elizabeth Waite's name was chosen for the town as a gesture of goodwill.

 

Elizabethtown experienced a rapid boom as mining operations expanded. The population grew, and the town boasted hotels, saloons, stores, and other businesses. However, like many mining towns of the era, Elizabethtown faced a bust when the mines began to decline. Elizabethtown's fate became further entwined with the nearby Dawson coal mines.

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In 1913, a tragic explosion occurred at the Stag Canyon No. 2 coal mine in Dawson, resulting in the deaths of 263 miners. The decline of the mining industry in the region accelerated after this devastating event. By the 1920s, Elizabethtown had become a ghost town as the mines closed and the population dwindled.

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Many of the buildings were abandoned, and the once-thriving community was left to the elements. : Despite its ghost town status, Elizabethtown has attracted tourists interested in exploring its historic remnants. Some of the original buildings still stand, and visitors can get a glimpse into the town's past.

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Fires over the years have taken a toll on Elizabethtown, destroying some of the remaining structures. However, efforts have been made to preserve and stabilize the remaining historic buildings. As of my last knowledge update in January 2022, much of the land in and around Elizabethtown is privately owned. Visitors are encouraged to be respectful of private property while exploring the area.

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Elizabethtown's history is a testament to the boom-and-bust cycle that many mining towns experienced in the American West. Today, it stands as a reminder of the challenges and triumphs of those who sought their fortunes in the region.

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Remains: Not much left. Pictures below show the deterioration over the years. Please be aware of any residents and private property signs. 

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