History On Every Corner

STEP BACK IN TIME

At the crossroads of history, Raton is a one-of-a-kind destination to learn a thing or two about. From the dinosaurs to today, Raton has charisma that will have yourself pondering or your family discussing for hours on end. Of course, we are the highest point of the Santa Fe Trail, but our history predates the settlers and pioneers of the Wild West and even pushes through to the technological advancements of the mid-century. As luck would have it, our locals are some of the best timekeepers with a story to two to share. Make yourself at home, and learn why we love to share and dive into Raton's history.

Time your travels and Explore Raton!

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

MUSEUMS

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A.R. Mitchell Museum of Western Art

150 E Main St, Trinidad, CO 81082, USA

(719) 846-4224

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Aztec Mill Museum

W 17th St, Cimarron, NM, USA

(575) 376-2417

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Folsom Museum

101 Main St, Folsom, NM, USA

(575) 278-2122

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HISTORY

POINTS OF INTEREST

WPA Murals

During the 1930s, the Works Progress Administration was created to help provide economic relief to the citizens suffering through the Great Depression. Raton is home to several WPA Murals in the Shuler Theater, Arthur Johnson Library, and the post office. We recommend you pick up a walking tour guide at the Raton Museum for a curated guide to view the murals and gaze at our Victorian architecture in the historic downtown district.

Historic Downtown

Explorers and travelers have enjoyed the beauty and commerce of downtown Raton for over 100 years. The heart of our city beats with our amazing locals whom have revived historic buildings into an entrepreneurial hub and gathering place for citizens and tourists. Most of the buildings downtown are listed on the New Mexico and National registers of historic and cultural properties, and have vibrant stories to tell: saloons, gambling houses, brothels, and even secret weddings.

Historic Santa Fe Trail

Raton is along the historic Santa Fe Trail, which was a 19th century route connecting Franklin, Missouri to Santa Fe, New Mexico. We like to nickname ourselves as the "Highest Point of the Santa Fe Trail." Visitors are able to see the original wagon ruts and landmarks at the NRA Whittington Center that over a century old in various areas. The original trail also runs down South Second Street in historic downtown Raton.

Johnson Mesa Church

Located on top of Johnson Mesa is St. John's Methodist Episcopal church which was built in 1897 and now listed on the NM Registered Cultural Properties. Johnson Mesa was home to settlers seeking more sustainable employment after leaving the coal mines. The church is one of the few remaining buildings on the mesa, and is open to visitors throughout the year. Take a beautiful drive through Yankee canyon on NM-72 to reach the church in 25 minutes from Raton.

The Raton Pass

Raton Pass, at the border of present day New Mexico and Colorado, was one of the most important, yet treacherous, segments of the Mountain Branch of the Santa Fe Trail. The pass cut through the snow-capped Sangre de Cristo Mountains, allowing wagons access to the vast western territory. Travelers can stop at the state line and scenic overlook going northbound on I-25. Shorter routes were eventually developed, but Raton Pass, which crossed easier terrain, remained in use. Overlooking the city is Goat Hill with our very own Hollywood-like sign in bright red letters that leads directly to the Old Raton Pass (now unpassable to vehicles) and the Iridium Layer.

Sugarite Coal Camp

Sugarite Canyon is now a New Mexico State Park that was once home to nearly 1,000 residents of the Sugarite Coal Camp before the mines shut down in 1941. Becoming a state park in the 1980s, rangers now host hiking tours along an interpretive trail of the coal camp ruins where visitors can learn about the history of the canyon and the once-thriving community of Sugarite.

The Raton Museum

The Raton Museum has been home to many locations across the city but is now located on Second Street. Visitors can view the very beginnings of our coal mining history all the way to our Rock n' Roll history. We can't forget about the old television sets which pay tribute to the fact that we were the second city in the United States to first have cable television!

The Shuler Theater

Once a major controversy in the early 20th century, the proposal of the Shuler Theater was opposed by locals for various reasons but is now a major epicenter for cultural arts and performances. Ran by the Shuler Restoration Board, the theater has gone restoration, revival, and tech revamps. Today, you can enjoy productions put on my local organizations and outside talent. The Shuler is also home to a few ghostly guests, mainly, Evlyn Shuler, the daughter of mayor Shuler. Guests can get a tour of theater and its history from the longtime voice of Raton, Billy Donati.

The Southwest Chief

Raton is one stop along Amtrak's Southwest Chief. The railroad service came to Raton in 1879 as part of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad. The line eventually brought many shipments of coal, goods, and even settlers along the Santa Fe Trail. Most notably, the line brought about the New Mexico Harvey Girls, which was a group of young women who ventured into the Wild West during the late 1800s to serve as hostesses and waitresses in Raton's Harvey House.

YOUR PASS TO Explore Raton!

History On Every Corner

STEP BACK IN TIME

RECOMMENDED FOR YOU

MUSEUMS

A.R. Mitchell Museum of Western Art

Aztec Mill Museum

Folsom Museum

HISTORY

POINTS OF INTEREST

Powered by Northeastern NM Educational Foundation, dba The Center for Community Innovation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit cultivating community to build a resilient future. 130 Park Avenue Raton, NM. 575-245-9000. Learn more at centerci.org.