Travel to Cimarron, NM with Bob & Wilma

Cimarron, NM is now a quiet village in northern New Mexico BUT in the late 1800's it was a "hell raiser" on the Santa Fe Trail. Even its very name, Cimarron, means WILD or UNTAMED in Spanish. It was the home of Lucien Maxwell, owner of the largest private piece of real-estate (Maxwell Land Grant) in the US then and still.

At this time, there were 15 saloons probably the most notorious but also the most elegant was the St. James Saloon and Hotel which still stands today and is still elegant. Henri Lambert, personal chef to both President Lincoln and General Grant, built it in 1873. 

Attesting to the violence that took place in the hotel, are the bullet holes that still grace the ceiling of the bar room where now delightful drinks and meals are served.

The hotel rooms, named after the famous or infamous people that stayed there, are rented out. As any historic hotel of merit, the St. James has a resident ghost or possible more as at least 19 shootings took place on its premises. 

Cimarron has a number of other historic structures. Within sight of the St. James is the Aztec Mill built in 1864 at the cost of $50,000. It is now a museum though only opened in the summer.

The repurposed and renovated Cimarron Mercantile and Cafe serves passing tourists and wonderful breakfasts.

Nearby is the remains of the, probably much used, jail and on the hill overlooking the town is the old cemetery, which is still being used. Cimarron is one of New Mexico gems that sort of went to sleep and is now being discovered and awakened. 

Photos and story courtesy of Bob & Wilma.

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