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.
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.
| KINGSTON |