National Register of Historic Places listings in Hidalgo County, New Mexico facts for kids
Welcome to Hidalgo County, New Mexico! This place is full of amazing history, and many of its special spots are listed on something called the National Register of Historic Places. Think of it like a Hall of Fame for buildings, old towns, and even ancient sites that are super important to American history and culture.
In Hidalgo County, there are 25 different places on this special list. One place used to be on the list but isn't anymore. All these historic spots in Hidalgo County are also recognized by the State of New Mexico, meaning they're important to both the state and the whole country!
Contents
What is the National Register of Historic Places?
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the United States' historic places worth saving. It's managed by the National Park Service. When a place is added to this list, it means it's recognized for its historical, architectural, archaeological, engineering, or cultural importance. It helps protect these places and makes people more aware of their value.
Cool Historic Places in Hidalgo County
Hidalgo County has a mix of interesting places on the National Register. Some are buildings you can see and visit, while others are ancient sites that tell us about people who lived here long, long ago.
Places You Can Visit!
Some of the listed places are public buildings or towns that you can learn about or even explore.
Hidalgo County Courthouse
The Hidalgo County Courthouse is located in Lordsburg. This important building, found at 300 S. Shakespeare Street, was added to the National Register on December 7, 1987. Courthouses are usually central to a county's government and history, where important decisions are made and records are kept.
Lordsburg-Hidalgo County Library
The Lordsburg-Hidalgo County Library is another historic spot in Lordsburg, at 208 E. 3rd Street. It joined the National Register on February 4, 2004. Libraries are special places where people can learn, read, and connect with their community's past and present.
Old Lordsburg High School
Also in Lordsburg, at 209 Penn Street, is the Old Lordsburg High School. This building was added to the list on September 17, 2015. Old school buildings often hold many memories and stories from generations of students who learned there.
Shakespeare Ghost Town
Southwest of Lordsburg, off State Road 494, you'll find the Shakespeare Ghost Town. This unique place was listed on July 16, 1973. A ghost town is an abandoned settlement, often left behind after a mine closed or a railroad moved. Shakespeare is a fascinating glimpse into the past, showing what life was like in a frontier town.
Hidden History: Archaeological Sites
Many of the places on the National Register in Hidalgo County are archaeological sites. These are places where scientists study the remains of past human life and activities, like old tools, pottery, or foundations of ancient homes. For their protection, the exact addresses of these sites are often kept secret. This helps make sure they aren't disturbed so that archaeologists can continue to learn from them.
Most of these sites are near Animas and include names like:
- Alamo Hueco Site
- Archeological Site No. LA 54021
- Archeological Site No. LA 54042
- Archeological Site No. LA 54049
- Archeological Site No. LA 54050
- Box Canyon Site
- Brushy Creek Ruin
- Clanton Draw Site
- Culberson Ruin
- Double Adobe Creek Site
- Fortress-Stewart Ranch Site
- Hoskins Site
- Joyce Well Site
- Little Site
- Lunch Box Site
- Metate Ruin
- Pendleton Ruin
- Pigpen Creek Site
- Saddle Bronc-Battleground Site
- Sycamore Well Site
- Timberlake Ruin-Walnut Creek Site
These sites are important because they help us understand how early people lived in this part of New Mexico, what they ate, what tools they used, and how their societies were organized.
Former Listing
One site, the Cloverdale Park Site, was once on the National Register but was removed on September 19, 1995. Sometimes, a site might be delisted if it's no longer considered historically significant, or if it has been damaged or destroyed.
