White Oaks in Lincoln County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Susan McSween Barber

“Cattle Queen of New Mexico”

— 1845–1931 —

Photographed By William F Haenn, April 21, 2017

1. Susan McSween Barber “Cattle Queen of New Mexico” 1845-1931 Marker

Inscription. Her second husband was George Barber. Under the Desert Land Act, they patented 400 acres in 1883. The act required irrigating the land and in 1881 Susan built a dam across Three Rivers stream and a half-mile ditch to convey water to her property. By 1888 Susan had taken on two partners, claimed ownership of 1,158 acres, and acquired 8,000 head of cattle. The Three Rivers Ranch made her the territory’s largest cattle baroness and thus the Cattle Queen of New Mexico. Susan is buried in the White Oaks cemetery.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Settlements & Settlers • Women. A significant historical year for this entry is 1883.

Location. 33° 44.496′ N, 105° 44.809′ W. Marker is in White Oaks, New Mexico, in Lincoln County. Marker is on State Road 349, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Carrizozo NM 88301, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 16 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. White Oaks (approx. 0.7 miles away); Carrizozo (approx. 9.3 miles away); a different marker also named Carrizozo (approx. 9.6 miles away); a different marker also named Carrizozo (approx. 9.9 miles away); Malpais (approx. 10 miles away); Carrizozo Woman's Club

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(approx. 10.2 miles away); a different marker also named Carrizozo (approx. 10.8 miles away); Capitán (approx. 15.6 miles away).

More about this marker. The marker is adjacent to the Cedarvale Cemetery, where Susan McSween Barber is buried.

Regarding Susan McSween Barber. Susan McSween Barber was the the widow of Alexander McSween, a leading factor in the Lincoln County War, who was shot and killed by members of the Murphy-Dolan faction.

Photographed By William F Haenn, April 21, 2017

2. Susan McSween Barber “Cattle Queen of New Mexico” 1845-1931 Marker

Susan McSween at the time of the Lincoln County War, circa 1870s image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William F Haenn, circa 1870s

3. Susan McSween at the time of the Lincoln County War, circa 1870s

Susan McSween Barber in old age. image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William F Haenn, circa 1920s

4. Susan McSween Barber in old age.

Susan McSween Barber grave, Cedarvale Cemetery, White Oaks NM image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William F Haenn, September 6, 2014

5. Susan McSween Barber grave, Cedarvale Cemetery, White Oaks NM

Cedarvale Cemetery, White Oaks NM burial place of Susan McSween Barber image. Click for full size.

Photographed By William F Haenn, April 21, 2017

6. Cedarvale Cemetery, White Oaks NM burial place of Susan McSween Barber

Credits. This page was last revised on February 18, 2020. It was originally submitted on May 24, 2017, by William F Haenn of Fort Clark (Brackettville), Texas. This page has been viewed 852 times since then and 91 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on May 24, 2017, by William F Haenn of Fort Clark (Brackettville), Texas. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.