This sleepy town in southwestern New Mexico sounded interesting enough to make a stopover. It was founded in 1881 an is just south of Cooke’s Canyon which was one of the three most dangerous places in the Southwest to travel through between 1850 and 1888. Apache leaders involved in the various raids, killings and massacres in Cooke’s Canyon included Mangas Colorado, Cochise, Geronimo, Victorio, Juh, Chato and Nana. The tales of the various ambushes are the basis for most of the old “Westerns.” The railroad came to Deming in 1881 along with the Harvey House and civilization. Military bases for state and federal troops affected the towns growth. State parks nearby include Rockhound State Park from whence those interested can remove 20 pounds of rocks per person. How’s that for a day's haul? COLUMBUS, NEW MEXICO
Pancho Villa State Park is in Columbus. It was the site of Camp Furlong from whence Pershing amassed his forces. One of the most interesting remains at this park is a concrete grease rack. The design is essentially the same as today's, but the trucks and/or tanks drove up onto the concrete rack. From Columbus you can drive about a mile to a border crossing and walk in to Palomas, Mexico. This town seems to exist solely for Americans who go there for prescriptions, dental work and eyeglasses. People came and went very quickly. It is certainly not a tourist town, as shopping was limited, except for the pharmacies, dentists, etc. Returning from Columbus to Deming, the highway was dotted with rather unkempt homes or ranches, and we noted a rather nice home coming up on the right hand side of the road. It was pueblo style and obviously new. An iron gate led to the driveway with the name clearly stated, “Rancho cost-a-lot.” Description continued following photos. |
ST. CLAIRE'S VINEYARD, DEMING, NEW MEXICO LAS CRUSAS, NEW MEXICO |