New Mexico Ghost Towns

 

 RILEY 

aka

   SANTA RITA   

 

County: Socorro  

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Year Established: 1880

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Year Abandoned: 1931

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Location: Located 20 miles north of Magdelena on Cibola National Forrest Road 354.

4x4 Highly recommended!!! 

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About: Riley is a fascinating example of a New Mexico settlement that began as an agricultural community, transformed into a mining town, and eventually faded due to resource depletion and environmental changes, yet its history and community spirit endure.

 

Settled in 1880 under the name Santa Rita but was changed soon after and the post office opened in 1890 under the name Riley. 

 

Gold and silver discoveries in 1882 led to a mining boom in the area. In 1892, when residents applied for a post office, the name was changed to Riley, after a local sheep ranch owner. However, many old-timers continued to call it Santa Rita.

 

At its peak by 1897, Riley had a population of around 150 people, two stores, a stone school, a church, and a post office. It was a hotbed of mining activity, with four active mines extracting coal and manganese. 

 

The town's decline began in the 1930s due to several factors. The mines eventually gave out and the water table and springs began to dry up during the "dust bowl" years, making farming difficult. In 1931, The post office closed, marking a significant step in the town's abandonment. The abolishment of the Rural School Administration in 1953 led to the closure of the school, forcing remaining residents to move to Magdalena or Belen for schooling. 

 

Today, Riley is considered a ghost town, though it retains a strong sense of community due to the efforts of former residents and their descendants. The most prominent remaining structures are the old church (built in the 1880s) and the school. Remnants of stores and houses are scattered throughout the area. The most prominent remaining structures are the old church (built in the 1880s) and the school. Remnants of stores and houses are scattered throughout the area.

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Remains: The Santa Rita Church, the old schoolhouse built from stone and what appears to be crumbling adobe homes and or stores. 

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