Near Raton in Colfax County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Clifton House Site
Photographed by Duane Hall, July 18, 2017
1. Clifton House Site Marker
Three-quarters of a mile west of here at the Canadian River crossing was the popular overnight stage stop on the Old Santa Fe Trail. Clifton House Site was built in 1867 by rancher Tom Stockton, with materials brought overland from Dodge City. For years it served as headquarters for cattle roundups. After abandonment of Santa Fe Trail in 1879, it fell into disuse and burned.
Erected by New Mexico Historic Preservation Division.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Santa Fe Trail series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1867.
Location. 36° 39.005′ N, 104° 30.038′ W. Marker is near Raton, New Mexico, in Colfax County. It can be reached from Interstate 25 at milepost 434, on the right when traveling south. Marker is located at the Thaxton Southbound Rest Area between Exit 435 and Exit 426; it is accessible only from the southbound travel lanes of I-25. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Raton NM 87740, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Northern New Mexico. It is also in the American Southwest, in the Mountain West, and on the Santa Fe Trail Corridor. Globally, it is in North America, the Rocky Mountains, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain, the Dust Bowl, and the Republic of Texas.
Other nearby markers. At least 3 other markers are within 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Women of the Santa Fe Trail / New Mexico Historic Women Marker Initiative (here, next to this
this page online
Photographed by Duane Hall, July 18, 2017
2. Clifton House Site Marker Reverse
Photographed by Duane Hall, July 18, 2017
3. Clifton House Site Marker at the Thaxton Southbound Rest Area
The Clifton House marker is on the right.
Photographed by Duane Hall, July 18, 2017
4. State Markers at Thaxton Southbound Rest Area
Credits. This page was last revised on August 6, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 20, 2017, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 1,188 times since then and 59 times this year. Last updated on July 30, 2025, by Bill Wingate of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 20, 2017, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
