Southwestern New Mexico Places

Silver City

Silver City began as a tough and lawless mining camp in 1870, and struggled for a long time to become a more respectable—and permanent—settlement. Henry McCarty spent part of his boyhood here, perhaps learning some of the ruthlessness that led to his later infamy under his nickname—Billy the Kid. Other mining towns in the area sparked briefly and then died, but Silver City eventually flourished and became the area's most populated city. Today, even though it has 12,000 residents, Silver City retains a sense of remote wildness—largely due to the nearby Gila National Forest and vast Gila Wilderness.

Since the area's copper ore is now close to depleted and the huge mine nearby all but officially closed, the town's traditional population of miners is being replaced by artists, outdoors enthusiasts, and retirees looking for a slightly more bohemian community than, say, Las Cruces. Thanks to efforts of preservationists, though, Silver City's origins are evident in the many distinctive houses and storefronts of the downtown area, making it ideal for exploring by foot (buy a self-guided walking tour map and guide at the Silver City Museum shop—several are offered). The characterless strip-style development of the surrounding town belies the charm of the compact, walkable historic downtown. By all means, park your car to do your exploring.

A stroll through the historic downtown district will take you by many of the town's three dozen or so art galleries, several tasty cafés, and antiques stores. Silver City has become fairly well-known for being artsy, and artists may well make up the bulk of new residents. Silver City's arts scene couldn't be more different from the one in Santa Fe. High dollar isn't king here, and art galleries tend to feel more like friendly gathering places than the dead-serious spaces found so often farther north. A local artist said "Silver City is where art is for the people, not some people."

Festivals and community events abound in this town, and almost every month sees some sort of community event in, or close to, Silver City. In early May the Celebration of Spring happens downtown in the Big Ditch Park, with crafts booths, activities, and lots of frolicking in the balmy weather. This fiesta marks the opening of the city's farmers' market at Bullard and 6th Street, where locally grown produce and locally produced crafts are available. The Silver City Blues Festival also happens in May, in Gough Park (downtown), and locals treat it as sort of a large-scale block party where young and old dance on the grass under beautiful, starry skies. September brings the Taste of Silver City event where, for the price of a ticket, you can walk around downtown sampling food and treats from many participating establishments. The calendar of events and activities at www.silvercity.org gives comprehensive information, or you can call the Silver City Main Street Project (575/534-1700) for downtown events.