Watrous - New Mexico Ghost Town

WATROUS

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

COMMENTS: On I-25. Semi-Ghost.
REMAINS: A few remnants of the old days.

Samuel B. Watrous was born in Connecticut, orphaned while still young and was sent to live with an uncle. Not happy having to rise early, do chores before breakfast and labor all day long, he left and joined a wagon train and headed for Taos, New Mexico. While there, he clerked at a store but soon caught the urge to try his luck at mining. He headed for San Pedro but found mining not to his liking and decided to earn his living as a storekeeper and farmer. Watrous acquired some land in 1846 to start a farming and mercantile business. Over the years, the farm and business affairs of Watrous flourished and he became a respected member of the community. In 1879, it was learned the Santa Fe Railroad would build through the settlement. Watrous promptly donated land for the right-of-way, station and yards. When finished, he was totally surprised to the see the name WATROUS on the new station's name board. Railroad officials said it was the least they could do for such a public-spirited citizen of the community. Submitted by Henry Chenoweth.	Watrous Courtesy Kurt Wenner Watrous Courtesy Kurt Wenner Watrous Courtesy Kurt Wenner Watrous Courtesy Kurt Wenner

Samuel B. Watrous was born in Connecticut, orphaned while still young and was sent to live with an uncle. Not happy having to rise early, do chores before breakfast and labor all day long, he left and joined a wagon train and headed for Taos, New Mexico. While there, he clerked at a store but soon caught the urge to try his luck at mining. He headed for San Pedro but found mining not to his liking and decided to earn his living as a storekeeper and farmer. Watrous acquired some land in 1846 to start a farming and mercantile business. Over the years, the farm and business affairs of Watrous flourished and he became a respected member of the community. In 1879, it was learned the Santa Fe Railroad would build through the settlement. Watrous promptly donated land for the right-of-way, station and yards. When finished, he was totally surprised to the see the name WATROUS on the new station's name board. Railroad officials said it was the least they could do for such a public-spirited citizen of the community. Submitted by Henry Chenoweth.

Watrous
Courtesy Kurt Wenner

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