Magdalena
On the web:
www.magdalena-nm.com
The Village of Magdalena - jumping off point to the most remote region in the Land of Enchantment - is in the heart of the high country of New Mexico.
This is the land where the deer and antelope play - as well as the coyote, the mountain lion, the elk, the eagle. A land where the heavens ignite into magnificent sunsets - where galaxies of stars sparkle brightly through the pure vibrant air. A land that beckons to one's Soul - to come explore and to be free - as have the ancient Anasazi, the Apache, the Navajo, the Pioneers and the Cowboys of the Old West.
Located in Southwest New Mexico along U.S. Highway 60, Magdalena is 2,000 feet above Socorro and 27 miles to the west. Food, gas, lodging, and many other services are available in Magdalena. The population of the Village is estimated to be about 1,000. With only 12 inches of precipitation annually and at an elevation of 6,548 feet, we would be considered high and dry. The wettest months are usually July and August when afternoon thunderstorms make regular visits. Sunny days abound with mild winter and summer temperatures averaging between 33 and 71 degrees respectively.
Most of the private enterprise in the area is retail trade or ranching. The largest employers are the school systems and other government services. Public education is provided at the state of the art elementary/high school while an excellent higher education is offered at New Mexico Tech in Socorro.
The Village is vibrant and growing steadily. Local businesses offer many services and locally made arts and crafts. Housing and land are affordable. The community is friendly and secure. A variety of churches and civic organizations are available to serve our needs. The local newspaper serves up news and comment on a weekly basis.
Once a thriving ranch supply center and shipping point for the ore from Kelly, Magdalena declined with the closing of Kelly. The Pythian Hall, built in 1907, is one of New Mexico's best examples of architecture of the time and once housed a newspaper office. The Magdalena Cemetery is a site worth visiting.
The Box Car Museum - This unique museum is located in a Santa Fe railroad box car adjacent to the restored Depot that houses city hall. It displays mining equipment from nearby mines, artifacts of ranching life, and more.
Magdalena Chamber of CommercePO Box 281,
Magdalena, NM 87825-0281
(866) 854-3217
www.magdalena-nm.com/ Photos and some text courtesy of Village of Magdalena
