First News Summer 2003

Cover Story: Experience the Enchantment
 

It seems as if Raton was purposely placed at nature's crossroads, exactly where the tall grasslands of the great plains merge with the southern Rocky Mountains. At 6,670 feet above sea level, Raton is surrounded by some of the most diverse contrasts of landscapes from mountain peaks, to grand tabletop mesas, while prehistoric volcanic plugs punctuate the vast horizon. For these reasons, Colfax County in northeastern New Mexico holds a rather unusual distinction. It is known to occupy four different life zones, an identification system for classifying plant and animal habitat from lush forests and alpine peaks to grasslands and woodlands. In fact, Colfax County accounts for one of the largest forested and alpine regions in the state.

Lake Maloya, Sugarite Park

Historically, thundering herds of buffalo attracted Apache and Comanche tribes to the high plains in northeast New Mexico. Later, the Spanish came up from the south, followed by Anglo settlers traveling along the Santa Fe Trail. Raton's emergence on the Santa Fe Trail contributed towards its development as a major frontier town when the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad established a repair shop at the base of Raton Pass in 1880. It was a welcomed rest stop for trains crossing the pass. Founded in 1880, and later incorporated in 1891, Raton's population swelled to nearly 3,000 as coal was mined, ranch land was grazed, and the trains moved cargo and people.

Today's visitors receive a friendly greeting at the New Mexico State Welcome Center at the corner of 2nd Street and the Clayton Highway. There travelers find free maps, brochures and magazines of area sites and attractions, as well as information and advice on special events or destinations.

As a major frontier town, Raton's rich, colorful history can fill your day just by strolling through a five block stretch known as the downtown historic district. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1977, the 70 buildings display an architectural style that implies its colorful past. A self-guided tour map is available at the Welcome Center.

There are several "must-see" sites in the downtown district, but start the journey with a walk through time at the Raton Museum. There you'll learn about life on the rails, in the camps, and on the range. The museum is a rich repository of area dioramas, historical photographs of the town's early days, and historic western artifacts. Across the street from the museum, the Santa Fe Railroad Depot still stands tall and serves to remind present day residents of the significance railroads played during the town's coal mining days. Built in 1903 in a Spanish mission revival style, it replaced an earlier structure that serviced as many as 60 trains each day. Presently, the facility is a stop for Amtrak passenger trains. Nearby, and also in a Spanish mission revival style, was the office of the Wells Fargo Express, a stagecoach stop built in 1910, but now home to the Old Pass Art Gallery with its collection of past and contemporary artwork created by many regional artists, as well as traveling exhibits and other special shows. Don't leave the historic district until you've visited the elaborate Shuler Theatre. Completed in 1905, it was originally built as an opera house that also housed a fire station and city offices. The exterior of the building is styled in European Rococo, and the lobby is decorated with murals portraying local history. The theatre boasts near perfect acoustics.

If you would prefer a short day trip, there are several different options available such as Sugarite Canyon State Park, New Mexico's newest state park. It's a beautiful historic park in a tranquil setting just six miles northeast of Raton on Highway 72. The area was once a booming coal camp during the early 1900s with a post office, now a visitors center, a schoolhouse, company store, doctor’s office and a social club. At its peak, 1,000 people of Slavic, Italian, Mexican and English descent lived and worked there. Today the state park is a major outdoor recreation area with its center attraction, Lake Maloya. The park offers wooded mountains, painted meadows and fresh, clear lakes and streams with excellent camping and fishing opportunities. During the summer months, visitors fish for trout on three high mountain lakes, among picnic grounds and foot trails. Cross-country skiing and ice fishing draw sportsmen and women during winter time. A network of trails and campsites encourage visitors to explore. From the visitors center, a trail meanders through the ruins of Sugarite Coal Camp to Old Mine #20.

From either Raton or Sugarite State Park, another short day trip option is Capulin Volcano National Monument. It's just a half-hour drive east of Raton on US 87, or 45 minutes southeast of Sugarite on Highway 72. You can't miss it! It's the 1,000-foot tall symmetrical volcanic cinder cone. A dormant volcano for the past 60,000 years or so, the two mile road spirals around the land mass to its summit at 8,140 feet. There you'll find the national monument headquarters with an educational film on volcanic eruptions, and interactive programs; it is preferred by locals as a favorite picnic spot for its dramatic views. From this vantage point it's possible to see five states on a clear day: Colorado, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas and New Mexico. It's one of the few places on earth where visitors can walk into the volcano's rim.

Another interesting short trip lies 30 miles south of Raton near the community of Springer. The Dorsey Mansion, located 30 miles east of Springer on Highway 56, is a magnificent log and native stone Victorian mansion completed in 1884 for then United States Senator, Stephen W. Dorsey. It is now open daily or by appointment for public tours. Call 505/ 375-2222 for reservations.

Dorsey Mansion

The National Rifle Association’s Whittington Center, a shooter’s paradise, is just 10 miles south of Raton on Highway 64. It is described as the largest, most comprehensive shooting facility in the world. Open to the public, the facility spans 33,000 acres of piñon pine and juniper filled with wildlife for unlimited hunting opportunities. The center hosts roughly 100 organized annual events for all types of shooting disciplines, both competitive and individual use, with housing, camping and food service facilities for all visitors. Open year round, it has become a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts and a significant tourist attraction. Continue south from the Whittington Center on Highway 64 for roughly 20 miles and arrive in the historic Village of Cimarron. Along the way, stop to read the landmark displays for a brief history lesson about the Santa Fe Trail. Look closely toward the grasslands near the mountains to spot the old wagon ruts still visible at several junctures. The history of Cimarron dates back to the early 1800s as a rest stop for traders, mountain men, and desperados who traveled the trail. Cimarron's history can be explored by a walking, self-guided tour of 18 historic sites throughout town. Visit the Old Mill Museum, built in 1864 to process wheat for the armies of the Southwest and Indian agencies. The three- story museum displays a collection of pioneering photographs and memorabilia interpreting local history. Stop by the St. James Hotel, a quiet, elegant place with fine food and 12 restored guest rooms beautifully decorated with priceless antiques. The St. James began as a saloon in 1872 and has bullet holes in the ceiling to prove it. Its guest list included such notables as Buffalo Bill Cody, Jesse James, Wyatt Earp and Billy the Kid. For those inclined to the paranormal, the hotel has a long history, even right up to the present, of reported ghosts and supernatural happenings. But in spite of an occasional friendly visitation, the list grows longer every day of happy, relaxed and rested folks who will testify to the charm and hospitality of this way-station in the Rockies. For reservations call 505/ 376-2664 or 1-866/ 472-5019

St. James Hotel Interior

From Cimarron, head south on Highway 64 west for a 20-minute drive to the Philmont Scout Ranch. It's the world's largest camping facility, owned and operated by the Boy Scouts of America and open to the public. The 214-square mile ranch consists of rugged pristine back county terrain in the Sangre de Cristo mountain range. Each summer 18,000 scouts participate in organized programs designed to create adventure and challenge a youngster’s senses. Scouts are kept busy with various leadership programs that include a 12-day trek, rock climbing, horseback riding, archaeology and nature conservation. Three public museums occupy the complex. The most notable, the Kit Carson Museum, is an 1849 adobe hacienda of the famed explorer and Indian scout. It holds historical artifacts of the early pioneers and a living history demonstration is presented all summer long at the blacksmith shop.

Philmont Scout Ranch

If you're in Cimarron and choose to venture west into the wilderness, there's no better place than Cimarron Canyon State Park with its 400-foot towering granite formations known as the Cimarron Palisades. In Cimarron Canyon, among the Palisades Cliffs, travelers find cold, clear running streams with campsites and fishing for rainbow or brown trout. By continuing through Cimarron Canyon, it's just a short drive to Eagle Nest in the heart of New Mexico's Moreno Valley. Eagle Nest Lake, a 22,000-acre lake, is home to some of the state's best fishing, and is known for its Kokanee salmon and trout with boat rentals at the marina. From the lake it’s just a short distance south on Highway 64 to the high altitude paradise of Angel Fire. At 8,400 feet, the valley is surrounded by mountain peaks ranging from 11,000 to 13,000 feet. The village of Angel Fire, home to one thousand year-round residents, has tourism serving as its primary industry. Angel Fire Resort is the town's hub of activity and a four-season destination. Lodging, restaurants and unique shops are scattered in the heart of the village. Summertime recreation includes golf, fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding and 4-wheeling, or taking the high-speed quad lift up the slopes. Event activities include a hot air balloon festival, an annual air show, theater performances and music. During the winter months, of course, it's skiing and snow boarding on the mountain. It's truly a year-round playground.

Stop, visit, explore the past and be a part of the history that’s being made today. If you wish to receive more specific information on lodging, attractions, events, and activities in Colfax County, there are various web sites and centers available to answer questions and help plan a visit.