Magdalena in Socorro County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Magdalena

Photographed by Flexible Fotography, October 12, 2023

1. Magdalena Marker

Inscription. Named for Magdalena Peak, Magdalena is located in a mineral-rich area which became a center for silver and zinc mining in the 1860's. In 1884, a railroad spur was built from the smelter in Socorro, and Magdalena became an important railhead for cattle, sheep, and ore. In protohistoric times, the Navajo and Apache people moved into the area. The Alamo Navajo Reservation, a noncontiguous section of the much larger Navajo Nation, is nearby.

Erected by New Mexico Historic Preservation Division.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Railroads & Streetcars • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1884.

Location. 34° 6.796′ N, 107° 15.202′ W. Marker is in Magdalena, New Mexico, in Socorro County. It is on First Street (U.S. 60) 0.1 miles west of State Highway 169, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Magdalena NM 87825, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southwest New Mexico and in the Rio Grande 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

and also the Republic of Texas.

Other nearby markers. At least 6 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Riley (approx. 0.6 miles away); Kelly (approx. 0.8 miles away); a different marker also named Kelly (approx. 0.8

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miles away); Magdalena Fault (approx. 1.4 miles away); Magdalena Livestock Driveway (approx. 8.7 miles away); a different marker also named Magdalena Fault (approx. 10 miles away).

Another marker is no longer nearby. Magdalena (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Magdalena Marker Reverse image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Flexible Fotography, October 12, 2023

2. Magdalena Marker Reverse

Credits. This page was last revised on August 5, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 28, 2023, by Flexible Fotography of San Diego, California. This page has been viewed 401 times since then and 25 times this year. Last updated on July 30, 2025, by Bill Wingate of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 28, 2023, by Flexible Fotography of San Diego, California. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. A wide shot of the marker in context. • Can you help?