Cloudcroft in Otero County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Baby Sanatorium
Village of Cloudcroft
| — | New Mexico Rails-to-Trails | — |
Photographed by James Hulse, April 11, 2025
1. Baby Sanatorium Marker
The Sanatorium was opened by Dr. Herbert Stevenson of El Paso, Texas on June 14, 1911 to provide care and healing for infants and toddlers who were ill, dehydrated or otherwise not thriving in their homes.
The Sanatorium was established in Cloudcroft to take advantage of the dry atmosphere and cooler temperatures. It was funded primarily by donations from wealthy El Paso residents. It was intended to provide intensive direct care to bring each child to a healthy stable condition that would enable the child to be returned to their family. It operated during the summer months each year until 1934.
Initially with only 12 cribs, the Baby San treated over 500 children with great success in the 24 years it was in operation. The effects of the Great Depression made funding the continued operation of the Baby San impossible, resulting in its closure.
Made possible by Evan and Esther Sheldon, helping to preserve local history.
Captions
(Photo #1) Seven infants on the covered porch of the Baby San, thriving in the mild temperatures of the summers in Cloudcroft, soon to be returned to their families.
The Lodge Resort & Spa Cloudcroft, NM - This sign was created and is actively maintained by volunteers from the New Mexico Rails-to-Trails Association - 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization partnership with the Village of Cloudcraft. For more information or to find out how you can help us maintain these important paths through nature and please contact us at nmrailstotrails.org or find us on Facebook at /NMRailstoTrails
Erected by Village
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Science & Medicine. A significant historical date for this entry is June 14, 1911.
Location. 32° 57.156′ N, 105° 44.531′ W. Marker is in Cloudcroft, New Mexico, in Otero County. It is at the intersection of Eagle Place and Panther Ave, on the left when traveling south on Eagle Place. The marker is located along the road. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 Eagle Pl, Cloudcroft NM 88317, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in New Mexico’s Pecos Valley. It is also in the American Borderlands and in the 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: The Pavilion - A Magical Place (approx. 0.3 miles away); Old Lodge (approx. 0.3 miles away);
Photographed by James Hulse, April 11, 2025
2. Baby Sanatorium Marker
The original Baby Sanatorium was located on the hill with the house on it
Photographed by James Hulse, April 11, 2025
3. The view of the Baby Sanatorium Marker along the road
Credits. This page was last revised on May 28, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 28, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 392 times since then and 126 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 28, 2025, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
