Before it was Shakespeare, it was Ralston. Before it was Ralston, it was Grant. Before it was Grant, it was Mexican Springs. The site had a storied carrier beginning in the late 1850s when the Butterfield Overland Stage Company established an alternate route south of its main line that passed the town of Shakespeare, at that time known as Mexican Springs. Because good water was abundant at Mexican Springs, the National Mail and Transportation Company established a mail stop at the site and renamed it Grant after Ulysses S. Grant of Civil War fame. Soon thereafter, William C. Ralston, founder of the Bank of California, became interested in the property and formed the New Mexico Mining Company to mine silver that had been discovered a short time before. The Ralston mining venture was short lived as claims had been hastily staked and improperly recorded. During the late 1870s, the Shakespeare Mining Company staked some silver claims and decided to change the name of the town from Ralston to Shakespeare. Mining operations continued until the depression of 1929 when mining operations ceased. Today, the site is a privately owned ranch. Courtesy Henry Chenoweth.

Shakespeare, New Mexico: This is the second article I've sent you about Shakespeare. This Desert Magazine story deals with the Great Diamond Hoax pf the 1880's. Written By Robert Hyatt, its in the November 1966 issue, page 30. Lots of historical background on the incident. Two photos and a DM style map

General Merchandise
Courtesy Dolores Steele

Bar in Grant saloon
Courtesy Dolores Steele

Dinning room of Grant house with strong support timbers served as the hanging room upon occasions - there were no trees here - All hangings were "unofficial". No breakfast would be served to stage drivers until bodies were taken down.
Courtesy Dolores Steele

Mine Superintendent house and office
Courtesy Dolores Steele

Cemetery
Courtesy Dolores Steele