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.

Erected by New Mexico Historic Preservation Division.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels • 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. It 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.

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 11 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);

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Carrizozo History (approx. 9.8 miles away); End of the Line for the End of a Train (approx. 9.8 miles away); a different marker also named Carrizozo (approx. 9.9 miles away); Malpais (approx. 10 miles away); Carrizozo Woman's Club (approx. 10.2 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 August 7, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 24, 2017, by William F Haenn of Fort Clark (Brackettville), Texas. This page has been viewed 1,725 times since then and 72 times this year. Last updated on July 30, 2025, by Bill Wingate of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on May 24, 2017, by William F Haenn of Fort Clark (Brackettville), Texas. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.