The Black Range in southwestern New Mexico mothers many
ghost towns. Kingston, one of these, lies in a pretty little valley
right on the scenic Black Range road.
Silver was mined here where exaggerated legend says you
could walk on streets of pure silver. The ore was so close to the
surface that working the mines was comparatively cheap and
easy. Profits were large. Over '$10,000, 000 in rich pay dirt came
out of the ground here in less than 15 years.
Kingston was born a tent child. One A. Barnaby pitched his
tent under a big cottonwood tree and opened a store. Around
this modest beginning the settlement quickly grew to 7,000
fortune hunters. With magic speed came three newspapers,
twenty-two saloons, three hotels and a theater.
When the canyon sides promised more permanent prospects,
the residents built solid stone and brick structures. Then some-
body remembered that Kingston needed a church. Sponsors
went to the places where money was the easiest to get--the
dance halls and the saloons. Hats were passed. Gamblers tossed
in money and diamond stud pins; dance hall girls gave their
jewelry. Miners gave gold dust and nuggets. In short time there
was enough money to build the church.
Like other mining towns of the 1880' s, Kingston had its Indian
troubles. Victorio, great Apache warrior, harassed the settlement
repeatedly. Miners carried Colts and Winchesters to work and
they rushed into a citizen fighting force at each alarm. Victorio
gave up and was later killed in battle in Mexico.
Kingston drew big-name men like Gov. Curry, A. B. Fall and
Ed Doheny. Today's old timers point out where these men lived.
Most of Kingston's streets now are empty of homes. But
enough houses and old foundations remain to tell of the town IS
silvered past. One remaining relic of that past is the bell that
rings yet when the mail arrives for Kingston's population remnant.
To reach Kingston from Truth of Consequences drive south
16 miles on US Highway 85 and turn west on State Highway 180.
Kingston from this junction is only 25 miles away.
Limited accommodations serve you on your stay here to
explore the old trails and glory holes.