Haunted Histories: Dawson

Dawson, New Mexico, once a booming coal mining town, stands as a marker of the region's industrial past. Just in the Raton basin, the town experienced a period of rapid growth during the early 20th century, fueled by the demand for coal to power locomotives and industries. However, the need for coal declined and Dawsons population quickly decreased, ultimately leading to the town's abandonment. 

Circa 1920s

The Rise of Dawson 

Located in Colfax county, New Mexico, Dawson is about 17 miles northeast of Cimarron. The area was settled in 1867 by John Dawson, a rancher who purchased the land from Lucien B. Maxwell. The ranch was rich in coal, with even more precious minerals underground. 

In 1901, Dawson sold the coal-rich ranch to the Dawson Fuel Company. The fuel company then established a town to facilitate coal mining in the area, building a 137-mile stretch of railroad track to connect the isolated mining camp to Tucumcari. The mines did exceptionally well. Within 4 years, there were almost 2,000 people living in Dawson. Phelps Dodge Corporation bought the mines and the Dawson Railway in 1906, adding the tracks to the company's El Paso and Southwestern Railroad system, the EP & SW. Later, the Southern Pacific Railroad purchased both the tracks and the long-term contracts for Dawson's coal production.

Though the Southern Pacific line used steam locomotives, mostly fueled by oil, the operating division in Tucumcari utilized coal fueled steam engines. It was the only fleet of coal fueled locomotives on Southern Pacific's roster. The population of Dawson soared to 9,000 people, making it one of the largest cities in New Mexico, much larger than Raton and Cimmaron at the time. 

Miner loading coal circa 1921

Dawson Disasters

Ultimately, Dawson was on a shaky path as there were two major accidents, one in 1913 and another in 1923. 

The first catastrophe occurred in October of 1913, where a massive explosion shot flames almost 100 feet into the air. The blast was said to have been felt 2 miles away from the site. Though relief teams rushed to the scene, most of the 286 miners who entered the mine that morning died. Additionally, two first responders died during the rescue. In total, there were 23 survivors with 14 being unaffected by the explosion. 

Despite the tragedy, coal mining in Dawson continued. The remaining mines were still booming and new miners were still moving to the community. 

10 years later, another tragedy occurred. In February 1923, a mine car derailed, knocking town timbers. The trolley spewed sparks, causing the coal dust to ignite. 123 miners died that day, many of them descended from the men who died in the 1913 disaster. 

Dawson Cemetery (photo by: Nick Pappas)

Transition to Ghost Town

Though many other coal mines closed due to the declining demand for coal, Dawson continued its mining operation for another 27 years. However, once the 25 year contract with Southern Pacific Railroad, Phelps Dodge decided to shut down any remaining coal operation and sold all equipment and the town of Dawson. 

Dodge then gave long-time residents 30 days to vacate, then sold, salvaged, and razed the community. Ultimately, Dawson was abandoned, leaving remnants of old buildings and a cemetery behind.

Visitors who are brave enough to explore the cemetery at night have reported back with strange findings. Some have seen lights, reminiscent of those on the front of mining helmets, and some have even seen ghostly apparitions wandering among the headstones.