Near Lincoln in Lincoln County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Raton Ranch
Baca Campground
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 9, 2023
1. Raton Ranch Marker
Inscription.
Raton Ranch. Baca Campground. Shortly after Civilian Conservation Corp. camp DF-17-N was established in 1933 under the New Deal, it was renamed Camp Saturnino Baca for the founder of Lincoln County. Abandoned after one summer, it reopened in 1935 for five years as one of the first Unemployed Girls' Educational Camps in the nation. After Pearl Harbor was bombed in December 1941, the entire Japanese population of Clovis – railroad workers and their families – was relocated here during 1942, and the camp's name reverted to Raton Ranch. Today it is managed by Lincoln National Forest as Baca Campground.
Shortly after Civilian Conservation Corp. camp
DF-17-N was established in 1933 under the New
Deal, it was renamed Camp Saturnino Baca for
the founder of Lincoln County. Abandoned after
one summer, it reopened in 1935 for five years
as one of the first Unemployed Girls' Educational
Camps in the nation. After Pearl Harbor was
bombed in December 1941, the entire Japanese
population of Clovis – railroad workers and their
families – was relocated here during 1942, and the
camp's name reverted to Raton Ranch. Today it is
managed by Lincoln National Forest as Baca
Campground.
Erected by New Mexico Historic Preservation Division.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Places. In addition, it is included in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1933.
Location. 33° 31.559′ N, 105° 26.326′ W. Marker is near Lincoln, New Mexico, in Lincoln County. Marker is at the intersection of Billy the Kid Trail (New Mexico Route 380) and County Road 002, on the left when traveling east on Billy the Kid Trail. The marker is in a pulloff picnic area. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lincoln NM 88338, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Lucy Lepper Shaw (a few steps from this marker);
Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, October 9, 2023
2. Raton Ranch Marker
via U.S. Forest Service (Public Domain), May 15, 1934
3. Camp Baca
The Civilian Conservation Corps camp shortly after it opened. The CCC used the camp for only one summer.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 1, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 72 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on November 1, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
