Mogollon New Mexico Townsite – Ghost town
Photos courtesy of Sarah Hajda May 2009
The first time I was here it was late one night. When I say late I mean after dark. I had my camera but no tripod. Took some pictures but they did not turn out like I wanted. So I enlisted my granddaughter, Sarah, to go back with me. This time we did it during the day. She took the majority of the photos. Except the ones with her in the picture. Great twisty road leads into town. Single lane so watch out for the curves and oncoming traffic.
The town was named after Juan Ignacio Flores Mogollon who was the governor of New Mexico from 1712 to 1715. The name also is applied to the Pueblo Indians who abandoned the area in the early 1400’s, Apaches lived in the area into the late 19th century.
If you go here make sure you stop in the woodworking shop and look for the clock. He also has numerous fun gadgets to play with. You can easily spend hours here wandering the buildings, walking the streets looking at cabins and summer homes and then the side roads. Friendly town. Tough decision trying to get to just a few pictures when we took several hundred and there is so much to see. Look close in the trees as many cabins are hidden by the new growth.
You can even make reservations at the Silver Creek Inn a two story adobe building built in 1885. Originally it had a General Store downstairs and rented rooms upstairs. Adults only and the town population of about 15 will offer up some of their southern hospitality.
A viewer writes – August 2009 – Mike, I haven’t finished all of this yet but Mogollon, NM reminded me of my two sisters and I visited a Mr. Parent in Silver City probably 20 years ago. He gave us directions on finding some orchids on some back roads. (We found them) He also sent us to Mogollon and taught us how to pronounce it. He has a son Lawrence Parent who is a photographer and you may know or know of. Margret Rhinehart
A viewer writes – Sunday, January 10, 2010 – My great grandmother Emilia Araujo lived in Mogollon and owned a general store. It burnt down and she did rebuild and continue her business. I’m not sure on dates, would have to check with my Dad or Aunt. Theresa Okamura, Rancho Cucamonga, CA teokamura@verizon.net
A viewer writes – Thursday, October 11, 2012 — Mogollon Ghost Town – Was just there on 11 OCT 2012. Be aware the cafe, museum, etc. are only open on weekends and holidays, mid-MAY through mid-OCT (there is a sign to that effect at the turnoff from the main road). Looks like they just had a flood that they were still cleaning up after. Was surprised to see a UPS truck coming in as we were going out. Jim, Colorado Springs.