CIMARRON, NEW MEXICO

Heart of the Historic West

Est. 1857

Cimarron Chamber of Commerce

P.O. Box 604

Cimarron, NM 87714

575-376-2417

1-888-376-2417

Above mural of wild mustangs by local artist

 Melinda Marlowe

    Once the home of Anasazi, Jicarilla Apache, and Ute Indians, Cimarron, located on the Mountain Branch of the Santa Fe Trail, became the hub of a vast mining and ranching empire in the mid to late 19th century. The pioneer spirit which gave rise to Cimarron brought the famous and infamous alike. Western legends such as Kit Carson, Black Jack Ketchum, Charles Kennedy, Clay Allison, and Will James have each added flair to the area’s rich history.

    In Spanish, Cimarron means “wild and unruly,” harking back to the historical turbulence of this now peaceful community. The area was once part of the controversial Maxwell Land Grant, which eventually caused the Colfax County War in the late 1800s. In addition to Cimarron’s rich Native American heritage, Spanish settlers, homesteaders, trappers, traders, and many other colorful characters made this beautiful area their home.   

    In the 1800s, few towns had such a reputation for gunplay and violence as Cimarron, New Mexico. Once luridly lawless, today this peaceful town echoes the sights and sounds of its historic past. You can still see ruts of the Santa Fe Trail and our museums and historic buildings offer fun and informative activities. Nearby recreation abounds in the Sangre de Cristo mountains.