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Silver City, NM
Chino Copper Mine
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Butterfield Stage Co.
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Open Pit Mining
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Seldom does the history of an area combine the intricate
patterns of vastly diverse cultures and varied elements
that have blended to produce the history of southwestern
New Mexico. Geologically, the area is complex to a point
of perplexity. Geographically, it encompasses great
expanses of harsh Sonoran deserts, lush river valleys
(the Rio Grande, Gila and Mimbres Valleys), and the
high mountains where alpine flora abounds and cool
streams tempt the fisherman.
Into this scene first came the Indian, then the Spaniard;
the Mexican in his turn, and finally the American.
Specifics of human activity are vital to the story:
frontier forts-bulwarks against marauding Indians,
and outpost of conquest; overland trails for man's
weary wandering; for caravans, wagons, stagecoaches,
and finally for ribbons of steel and asphalt.
Mines and mining camps mushroomed on a thousand hills,
some to sputter and die, others to live on to feed the
hungry industrial plant of 20th century America.
And there were cattle, the only way yet found to
harvest the desert and mountain grasses.
Blend the land, the people, and the activities dictated
by the land, and southwestern New Mexico has all the
elements that contribute to the romance and excitement
of history.
Treasure Hunters
The mountains of the Southwest were filled in those days with a set of men
who had to face all kinds of danger from Indians, wild beasts, horse
thieves, and outlaws. They had to suffer more than the 49'ers who crossed
the plains in their covered wagons. The pioneer prospector in the Southwest
not only had to put up with a bleak and desolate country, a land of deserts,
but he often had to get along without water, and many times without wood or
brush to cook a bite; he had to be on the watch for the savage Apache, who
carried the latest firearms; and he was never safe from thieves or renegades
who would not think twicea
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