Shakespeare Ghost Town

A National Historic Site of New Mexico, USA Land of Enchantment

Shakespeare Ghost town is the remains of a pioneer southwest town. From a small settlement on the stage and emigrant trail to California, it grew in 1870 with a silver strike and the diamond swindle to a town of considerable size( around 3,000 people) under the name of Ralston City, or the Burro Mines. After the Diamond Bubble burst, it dwindled down to perhaps 50 persistent miners.

During the 1908-1932 mining boom the remaining buildings in Shakespeare were again occupied and the events during this period added considerably to the towns reputation for lawlessness. Always a mysterious secretive sort of town, it had no church, no newspaper, and no local law enforcement. There were occasional free for all fights and when these were serious enough, the losers were hanged.

Shakespeare is older than any neighboring town, with its highly publicized mining booms, attracted many people and contributed greatly to the settlement of this part of the country.

The Town site has been owned since 1935 by the Hill Family and they have tried to preserve the old buildings and history without commercializing the property,

You are able to walk the streets trod by Billy the Kid, John Ringo, Curley Bill, Russian Bill, the Clantons, Jim Hughes and Sandy King. You can also walk a portion of Butterfield Trail and see 28 points of interest while listening to the stories of how the West really was. Click the button above to visit the Shakespeare Website for more information and to schedule a visit.

Guided tours include the interiors of eight buildings and more including:

-The Company Mining House - The Power Magazine

-The Grant House - National Mail & Transportation Company

-The Saloon -Assay Office

-Stratford Hotel -Jim Emmanuel Western Collection

-Old Mail Station - General Merchandise/ Post Office

Pricing: Admision charges are used for operations, upkeep, and restoration of old buildings. $7 for adults and $3 for children ages 6-12.

Contact: 575-542-9034 or email visit@shakespeareghosttown.com