Hermosa, New Mexico facts for kids

Hermosa is a historic place in Sierra County, New Mexico, United States. It's known as a "ghost town" because most people left a long time ago. It is located in the Palomas Creek valley, west of a town named Truth or Consequences.

The Story of Hermosa

How Hermosa Began

Hermosa was started in 1883 by miners who were looking for valuable minerals. A man named J.C. Plemmons was key to its beginning. He built the first home and a general store, called a mercantile, right by the Palomas Creek. He also brought his cattle to the area. Mr. Plemmons likely saw the mining camps nearby and realized it was a good spot to build a town.

A Growing Town

For a while, Hermosa grew into a busy little town. It even had its own literary society, which was a group of people who enjoyed reading, writing, and discussing books. This shows that even in a mining town, people valued education and culture.

The End of Hermosa

Sadly, in 1889, Hermosa was hit by a very strong flash flood. A flash flood is a sudden, fast-moving flood that can cause a lot of damage. The flood was so bad that Hermosa never fully recovered. Many people left, and the town slowly became empty.

What Remains Today

Today, Hermosa is part of a privately owned ranch. Only a few buildings are left from its early days. You can still see the old mercantile (general store), a hotel, and a log post office. These buildings are like silent reminders of the town that once was.