Burro Cienega facts for kids

Burro Cienega is a small stream in New Mexico. It starts high up in the Big Burro Mountains at about 5,990 feet (1,826 meters) above sea level. This stream flows through Grant County, New Mexico and ends in Hidalgo County, New Mexico. It empties into a dry lake bed, called a playa, about 5.5 miles southeast of Lordsburg, New Mexico.

A Historic Watering Hole

For many years, Burro Cienega was an important place for travelers. It had a natural spring called Ojo Ynez. This spring was a vital watering spot for people and animals.

Early Travel Routes

Long ago, Ojo Ynez was on an old road that connected Janos, Chihuahua (in Mexico) to the Santa Rita copper mines. Imagine how important fresh water was in the desert!

Stagecoach Stops

Later, Burro Cienega became a stop on famous travel routes. It was used by Cooke's Wagon Road and the San Antonio–San Diego Mail Line. These were important paths for people and mail crossing the American Southwest.

Even later, it was near the Soldier's Farewell Stage Station. This station was part of the Butterfield Overland Mail route. This was a major stagecoach service that delivered mail and passengers across the country. Burro Cienega's water helped countless travelers on their long journeys.