A short-lived mining town high in the mountains, Midnight had a post office only from 1895 until 1898. Approximately 200 people lived in Midnight during this short gold boom, and the town was large enough to support some small businesses such as a general mercantile store and blacksmith.
There is very little left of Midnight today, aside from a few rotting log cabin ruins.
There are few artifacts scattered among the ruins of Midnight, mostly just a few historic cans and undecorated porcelain fragments.
The cool summer climate and spectacular scenery bring many people to this area of New Mexico. But likely not many wander the backcountry in search of Midnight, New Mexico.
Just went there last week. Not a trace of the place left. Lots of lore around the mysterious disappearance of Midnight.
During the 1950s, when I was staying at Hickman’s Ranch, the Hickmans took us to see Midnight. They said it was named “Midnight” because the trees were so tall the sun didn’t reach the ground. At that time, there were several buildings still standing, including the Silver Dollar Saloon which had silver dollars imbedded in the bar. We were told Midnight was once on the Pony Express route. I have no way of verifying this information and am curious what others may know about Midnight. It’s sad to see it in such a shambles now.
Jim
My Bucket List or Come High Water or Hell One of these Days I will see La Belle, Midnight and Anchor, others places of Taos County, New Mexico. At least that’s my Thoughts! Health reasons my halt my Exploring, maybe?
I find that New Mexico and Arizona Ghost Towns or Extinct Townsites are Amazing, and I first fell in love with Elizabeth City aka Elizabethtown way back in the 1970s!
I Thank you Bob for your pictures and Travels, Thanks and Take Care, One of these Days!
Chris Cooper
Midnight, LaBelle and Anchor, New Mexico. Have to say just amazing Histories here and wonderful Pictures, a Job well done Bob! Again I am Hoping that someday I can Explore these areas?
Bob, you need to checkout my Research of Arizona’s Military U.S. Posts: Camps, etc. And my visit to that Ghosttown of “Harqua Hala, La Paz County, Arizona, you need to see. But I am always Amazed how a Town’s or Mining Camp such as Harqua Hala, its name gets change to Harquahala instead. Unless it was an Accident? the U.S. 1900 Census for the Old Ghost town or Mining Camp, list it as Harquahala, supposed be the other.
Anyway Thanks for your time and Take Care Bob!
Christopher…..
Every place I go, from Long Island to Australia, I’m always looking for interesting historic sites and abandoned places to photograph and explore. Arizona is absolutely on my list of places to visit next.