Springer is located in a picturesque
and historical part of northeastern New Mexico at the junction of Interstate 25
and US Highway 56. With a history as colorful as the buildings that line its
streets, Springer found its beginnings in the turbulent days of the Maxwell Land
Grant.
As the Santa Fe Trail era was winding to a close and the Santa Fe Railroad made
its way through Springer in 1879, the town quickly became a shipping and
transportation center for northeastern New Mexico and parts of west Texas.
Shortly after, Springer became the third county seat of Colfax County from
1882-1897. Completed in 1882, the handsome structure known as the Old Courthouse
still stands, its yellowish exterior a nostalgic monument. In early 1897,
massive coal reserves turned Raton into a hub of commerce and the county seat
was relocated leaving the Old Courthouse vacant. For years, the building served
various functions. By 1967, the Springer Historical Society leased the building
from the town of Springer and established the Santa Fe Trail Museum. During
1987, the Old Courthouse was approved for the National Register of Historic
Places. After an application process in 1996, the National Scenic Byway Program
awarded a $211,000 grant for the construction of a Santa Fe Trail Interpretive
Center to be housed within the building.
The exhibits, designed by an advisory committee of individuals
with special knowledge and vested interests in Santa Fe Trail history and
cultural heritage, tell the story of those exciting times. On the walls of the
Santa Fe Trail Interpretive Center are colorful panels full of information from
the wonderful era that started with the Santa Fe Trail and ended with the coming
of the railroad. Other rooms are filled with equipment and materials used during
the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. It’s a wonderful local history lesson.
The Santa Fe Trail Interpretive Center & Museum is open from April 1st until
October 31st. Business hours are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Tuesdays through
Saturdays.
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