Cerrilos - New Mexico Ghost Town

CERRILLOS

NAME: Cerrillos
COUNTY: Santa Fe
ROADS: 2WD
GRID #(see map): 2
CLIMATE: Cool winter, warm summer
BEST TIME TO VISIT:Anytime

COMMENTS: Much to see!
REMAINS: Current residences, many original buildings

It is not known exactly when Cerrillos had its beginning. What is known is its beginning is very ancient and probably dates as far back as 500 A.D. when Basket Maker Indians were in their prime. Gold and turquoise were the minerals extracted from the area. Given the time of 500 A.D. and other evidence, it is very probable prehistoric Indians were the miners. Nearly fourteen hundred years later, American prospectors rediscovered the ancient diggings at Cerrillos. Soon there were hundreds of prospectors roaming the area in search of gold and turquoise. In 1899, it was reported New Mexico's production of turquoise was valued at $1,600,000, most of it coming from Cerrillos. The town's demise began shortly after the turn of the century when production of gold and turquoise slackened. Submitted by Henry Chenoweth.	Cerrillos Quarters, 1892 Courtesy Museum of New Mexico Cerrillos, Clear Light Opera House Courtesy Dolores Steele Abandoned Ruin Courtesy Tom McCurnin Berardinelli Home Courtesy Tom McCurnin Doc Richards Drug Store Courtesy Tom McCurnin The Catholic Church Courtesy Tom McCurnin Vacant Structure Courtesy Tom McCurnin Clear Light Opera House Courtesy Tom McCurnin Along Main Street Courtesy Tom McCurnin

It is not known exactly when Cerrillos had its beginning. What is known is its beginning is very ancient and probably dates as far back as 500 A.D. when Basket Maker Indians were in their prime. Gold and turquoise were the minerals extracted from the area. Given the time of 500 A.D. and other evidence, it is very probable prehistoric Indians were the miners. Nearly fourteen hundred years later, American prospectors rediscovered the ancient diggings at Cerrillos. Soon there were hundreds of prospectors roaming the area in search of gold and turquoise. In 1899, it was reported New Mexico's production of turquoise was valued at $1,600,000, most of it coming from Cerrillos. The town's demise began shortly after the turn of the century when production of gold and turquoise slackened. Submitted by Henry Chenoweth.

Cerrillos Quarters, 1892
Courtesy Museum of New Mexico

Cerrillos, Clear Light Opera House
Courtesy Dolores Steele

Abandoned Ruin
Courtesy Tom McCurnin

Berardinelli Home
Courtesy Tom McCurnin

Doc Richards Drug Store
Courtesy Tom McCurnin

The Catholic Church
Courtesy Tom McCurnin

Vacant Structure
Courtesy Tom McCurnin

Clear Light Opera House
Courtesy Tom McCurnin

Along Main Street
Courtesy Tom McCurnin

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