CUCHILLO

NAME: Cuchillo
COUNTY: Sierra County
ROADS: 2WD
GRID #(see map): 4
CLIMATE: Cool winter, hot summer
BEST TIME TO VISIT:Anytime		 COMMENTS: 15 miles NW of Truth or Consequences.
REMAINS:    A few original buildings still stand, including Cuchillo Store and Bar.
        Cuchillo was named for nearby Cuchillo Negro (Black Knife) Creek, which took its name from a local Apache chief. The town was established by ranchers and farmers in the 1850s and peaked between 1880 and 1930.
     Cuchillo flourished as a trade center and stage stop, as it was between the mines at Chloride/Winston and the railroad at Engle. It began to decline as the mines closed.
     A few original buildings still stand, including Cuchillo Store and Bar, which has many artifacts. Behind it are stables that housed mules and horses used to haul freight between Chloride/Winston and Engle. Mass is still celebrated at San Jose Church, rebuilt for the third time in 1907 after being destroyed by floods. An abandoned dance hall is next door. (Courtesy Michael Cook)


Cuchillo Store and Bar was built in the 1850s. (Courtesy Michael Cook)


Cuchillo
Courtesy Dolores Steele


Cuchillo
Courtesy Dolores Steele

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