Patterson, New Mexico facts for kids

Patterson was once a small town in Catron County, in the U.S. state of New Mexico. Today, it's known as a "ghost town" because it no longer exists.

What Was Patterson?

Patterson was a small community that thrived for a short time in the late 1800s. It was like many other small towns that popped up as people moved west. These towns often grew around a specific industry or a group of settlers.

Where Was Patterson Located?

Patterson was located about six miles west of a place called Horse Springs. Even though we know its general area, the exact spot where Patterson stood is a bit of a mystery! The official U.S. government mapmakers, known as the GNIS (Geographic Names Information System), don't know its precise location today.

How Did Patterson Get Its Name?

The town was named after a person named Richard Chase Patterson. He was a pioneer settler, which means he was one of the first people to settle in that area. Many towns in the American West were named after important early residents.

When Did Patterson Exist?

Patterson had a post office that opened in 1884. This was a big deal back then, as it meant people could send and receive mail. The post office stayed open for many years, finally closing in 1906. After the post office closed, the town likely started to decline and eventually disappeared.

Why Do Towns Become Ghost Towns?

Many small towns in the American West became ghost towns. This often happened when the main reason for their existence disappeared. For example, if a mining town's mine ran out of ore, people would move away. If a farming community faced a long drought, families might leave to find better land. Without people, buildings fall apart, and the town slowly vanishes.