Madrid, New Mexico - Cacti in bloom
Cerrillos, New Mexico, on the Turquoise Trail - In 1879, two prospectors found silver in the galena ore in the Cerrillos Hills. The lure of treasure drew people came from around the world to make their fortune in mining. Cerrillos grew from a tent city, to one with many buildings, churches, and schools. Founder’s Day is March 8, 1880. By 1900 the galena and silver production began to diminish. In 1903, thirteen years after it had incorporated, Cerrillos Town disincorporated. It is not much changed from its 19th century beginnings. To many, Cerrillos is considered a ghost town, although there are still about 200 people in the town and surrounding area. (Information from cerrillosnewmexico.com)
