Colfax- New Mexico Ghost Town

COLFAX

NAME: Colfax
COUNTY: Colfax
ROADS: 2WD
GRID #(see map): 2
CLIMATE: Cool winter possible snow, warm summer
BEST TIME TO VISIT:Anytime

COMMENTS:

The private ranch which now owns the townsite of Colfax, recently burned and buried all the wooden structures in the ghost town. So now only the few adobe walls and stone foundations remain. The old cars have been moved away as well. The ranch was having trouble with people trespassing and there was a fear of liability if someone got hurt. Similar actions were taken at the nearby town of Dawson with the large incinerator tower and the coke ovens being torn down. So now there is not much let of Colfax. Last visit was on August 13, 2011. I can supply photos of how the townsite looks now.

Mark A Dierker

REMAINS: Much remains

Here was a town that should have succeeded but didn’t. The site was in the heart of rich farming land, it was situated on two railroads, nearby mountains abounded in wild game for the hunter, and it was close to other towns. Colfax never really blossomed but it did stay alive for about twenty-five years from 1908 to 1933. The Great Depression of 1929 sealed it’s fate when gasoline prices forced people to give up driving. Most moved to one of nearby larger towns such as Dawson, Raton, Springer, and Cimmarron which offered greater advantages. Still, the town offers today a forlorn and uniquely picturesque cluster of buildings of considerable interest. Submitted by Henry Chenoweth. Colfax, new Mexico Courtesy Dolores Steele 1909 School - also served as a Church Courtesy Dolores Steele Stairs and foundation is all thats left Courtesy Dolores Steele Colfax Courtesy James Vincent Colfax Courtesy J Whitson	Colfax, new Mexico Courtesy Dolores Steele Colfax, new Mexico Courtesy Dolores Steele Colfax, new Mexico Courtesy Dolores Steele Dawson Cemetery Courtesy Dolores Steele Colfax Courtesy Dolores Steele Colfax Courtesy James Vincent Colfax Courtesy J Whitson Colfax Courtesy J Whitson

Here was a town that should have succeeded but didn’t. The site was in the heart of rich farming land, it was situated on two railroads, nearby mountains abounded in wild game for the hunter, and it was close to other towns. Colfax never really blossomed but it did stay alive for about twenty-five years from 1908 to 1933. The Great Depression of 1929 sealed it’s fate when gasoline prices forced people to give up driving. Most moved to one of nearby larger towns such as Dawson, Raton, Springer, and Cimmarron which offered greater advantages. Still, the town offers today a forlorn and uniquely picturesque cluster of buildings of considerable interest. Submitted by Henry Chenoweth.