· The Gila National Forest and Wilderness · 
· Miners and Outlaws · Kingston · Hillsboro ·
· The Apaches · The Mogollon Indians · Geology and Climate ·
· Our Rural Bookstore · What's Happening · Local Weather ·

Driving west from Kingston, you pass the historic cemetery, and enter the Gila (HE-la) National Forest. One of the largest wild areas in the Southwest, the Gila stretches from high desert to alpine forests. Its unique habitat has been protected since 1899, and the Gila became the world's first designated Wilderness Area in 1924.

Teeming with wildlife, this scenic canyon country is home to deer, elk, bear, mountain lion, pronghorn antelope, fox and javelina, as well as a multitude of bird species - from hummingbirds to bald eagles.

In 1937, the Black Range Highway (NM 152) opened these rugged mountains to auto traffic, looping over prairies, through pinon and juniper woods, and up into forests of ponderosa pine, fir and aspen. The highway winds its way up to Emory Pass, where intersects with the Continental Divide Trail.

Be sure to stop here – at the Emory Pass Vista -- where a breathtaking view awaits you.

You can stay and stretch your legs along a forest trail to the Aldo Leopold Wilderness, or continue on by car down the mountain and into the heart of the Gila. As you drive, keep a sharp lookout and you may be rewarded with the sight of curious deer at the roadside or a herd of javelina (wild pigs) crossing into the bush.

Favorite destinations in the Gila National Forest include the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, the City of Rocks State Park, Lake Roberts, Silver City, and The Glenwood Catwalk. Rock formations at the park are so unique that they are only known to exist in six other places in the world.

Things to do in the region include basking in local hot springs, hiking, biking, birding, boating, swimming, fishing, golfing, tennis, rockhounding, galleries, concerts, festivals and other activities. Click here for up-to-date cultural events in the area.

It took the fever caused by shiny metal to wrest this land from the Apaches in the 1800s. Gold, silver and copper were discovered, and plenty, in these hills, creating many a millionaire before the best ore was finally played out. Ghost towns like Kingston, Hillsboro, Lake Valley, Tyrone, Pinos Altos, Shakespeare, Mogollon, Winston and Chloride all knew the glory days of the rich strikes. The recession of 1893, followed by the demonetization of silver, caused most boom towns to bust by the turn of the century. Artifacts from pioneer days can be seen in museums in Kingston, Hillsboro, and Silver City.
 
Along with miners came merchants, madames, gamblers and gangs. Billy the Kid grew up in Silver City. As a wild young man he rode far and wide over this country. Later, as an outlaw, he escaped and hid in his old forest haunts.

Kingston
Founded in 1882, Kingston was a rollicking silver-mining boomtown known as the "Gem of the Black Range." Home to more than 7000 miners, merchants and madams, in its heyday Kingston boasted the largest population in New Mexico Territory. The Hole in the Wall Saloon and Pretty Sam’s Casino are two of twenty-seven drinking establishments that served the daring fortune hunters, who came from as far away as Europe and China.

California oil magnate Edward Doheny had humble beginnings as a miner in Kingston, as did his partner Albert Bacon Fall who was later implicated in the Teapot Dome Scandal. Lillian Russell performed in the local opera house, and Mark Twain also wandered through, later depicting Kingston’s male-only Spit and Whittle Club in “Roughing It.”

Today, this lovely wooded valley is a quiet community of 30-some residents. A few historic buildings remain, notably the assay office, the Victorio Hotel, and the Percha Bank - now a museum and art gallery. The old village bell in front of the Volunteer Fire Department was cast in St. Louis, and was originally used to announce Indian raids until the final Apache surrender in 1886. Before silver was discovered here in 1882, Kingston had been the haunt of the great Apache leaders Mangas Coloradas, Cochise, Victorio, and Geronimo - the last tribe of Indians to surrender their land in North America.

To learn more about Kingston and our region's mining heritage visit:
www.PerchaBank.com

www.LivingGhostTowns.com

Nine miles east of Kingston, historic Hillsboro was founded in 1877 when two prospectors discovered gold on the east side of the Black Range mountains. The town’s name was drawn out of a hat. Hillsboro grew rapidly despite fierce attacks by the Apaches. A post office opened in 1879 and never closed, and Hillsboro was the county seat from 1884 until 1939. The remains of the old county courthouse, built in 1892, still stand. It was here that the famous trial of the three alleged killers of Col. Albert J. Fountain took place. While they were acquitted for the 1896 murder, the mysterious crime was never solved.

Hillsboro today is home to restaurants, galleries and gift shops, a museum, a gas station and grocery, and a post office. The recently renovated Hillsboro Community Center has a new tennis court, and hosts musical events at least once a month. This handsome historic adobe building is an inviting venue, and has attracted quality bands from across the country. Visit. www.HillsboroNM.com. for more information.

The Apache were peaceful hunter/gatherers when encountered in 1541 by Coronado's first expedition. Their territory included southern New Mexico, western Arizona and northern Mexico.
 
Acquiring horses from the Spanish, they used them to defend their home against encroaching settlements.
 
Taught to blend into the landscape and endure hardship, small bands of braves outfought and outfoxed the regimented cavalry. Finally outnumbered, they retreated to their strongholds in the Black Range.
 
Broken promises, uneasy truces, and bloody battles describe the ultimate defeat of the proud Apaches who would not tolerate reservation life. When Geronimo and Naiche finally surrendered in 1886, the last of their tribe was imprisoned and relocated to Florida.
 
The Geronimo Springs Museum in Truth or Consequences contains Apache artifacts, plus a collection of Mogollon (Mimbres) Indian pottery.

Geology and Climate
Eons ago, a tropical sea covered southwest New Mexico, leaving fossilized shells behind as vestiges of its ocean life. Ancient volcanic upheavals created rugged mountain ranges, depositing the valuable gold, silver and other minerals found there. The numerous Hot Springs in the region are evidence of continuing geothermal activity, and the City of Rocks stands today like a natural Stonehenge - the result of an unusual volcanic eruption.
 
Four gentle seasons grace the Gila high country. Its cool mountain air entices travelers up in the summer months. July and August will often bring afternoon rains. Fall means crisp days, the apple harvest, and spectacular colors among the aspens. In winter, the snow along the top of the range invites cross-country skiers. Sunny and warm, most spring days are ideal for outdoor activities.