Cloudcroft in Otero County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Cloudcroft Depot

Village of Cloudcroft

— New Mexico Rails-to-Trails —

Cloudcroft Depot Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, July 24, 2024

1. Cloudcroft Depot Marker

Inscription. A train has just arrived from Alamogordo.

This photo shows the new depot as it looked in parent railway El Paso & Northeastern's light gray paint and white trim 1900-1905. An EP&NE boxcar is spotted on the siding to offload and take on freight.

The track was removed in 1947 and most buildings were sold to be moved off the right of way. The depot's unusual stairstep design did not lend itself to relocation - the building reportedly was torn down in 1949 and the lumber used to build the golf pro shop building at the Lodge.

This area looked a bit different in winter! It was rumored that a boxcar here on this siding was lost and forgotten under heavy snow drifts one severe winter until the spring thaw! A wedge snowplow was stored at Toboggan to clear heavy snows from the tracks at the higher elevations.

Made possible by the Evon and Esther Sheldon Trust, helping to preserve local history.
This sign was created and is actively maintained by volunteers from the New Mexico Rails-to-Trails Association-501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization - in partnership with the Village of Cloudcroft. For more information or to find out how you can help us maintain these important paths through nature and history, please contact us at nmreilstotrails.org or find us on Facebook at /NMRailstoTrails.

Erected by Village

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of Cloudcroft, New Mexico, Sacramento Mountains Historical Society and Rails to Trails.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1947.

Location. 32° 57.46′ N, 105° 44.762′ W. Marker is in Cloudcroft, New Mexico, in Otero County. It is at the intersection of James Canyon Highway and Cox Canyon Highway, on the right when traveling east on James Canyon Highway. The markers are located near the parking area for the trailhead of the Village Spur Trail. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 90 James Canyon Hwy, Mayhill NM 88339, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in New Mexico’s Pecos Valley. It is also in the American Southwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the Comanchería,

and the Republic of Texas.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Cloudcroft Water Tank (here, next to this marker); Excursion Train at Depot ca. 1902

The Cloudcroft Depot Marker is the middle marker of the three markers image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, July 24, 2024

2. The Cloudcroft Depot Marker is the middle marker of the three markers

(here, next to this marker); Excursion Train (a few steps from this marker); Cloudcroft Power House (within shouting distance of this marker); Casino & Land Office (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Pavilion - A Magical Place (about 600 feet away); Old Lodge (about 600 feet away); From the Ashes (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cloudcroft.

The view of the markers from the trailhead parking lot image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, July 24, 2024

3. The view of the markers from the trailhead parking lot

Credits. This page was last revised on August 12, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 11, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 398 times since then and 62 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 12, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.