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

Magdalena Livestock Driveway

Photographed By Chris English, October 25, 2012

1. Magdalena Livestock Driveway Marker

Inscription. South across the road lies one of the west's historic "hoof highways" which was used annually from 1885 until 1971. Sheep and cattle were driven to and from the railroad at Magdalena, NM or to Springerville, AZ. The driveway was 5 to 10 miles wide and covered 200 square miles. The peak trailing year, 1919, saw 150,000 sheep and 21,600 cattle pass this point. In the 1930's the Civilian Conservation Corps fenced the driveway and drilled water wells every 10 miles. During the drives, cowboys and herders moved cattle about 10 miles a day and sheep about 5 miles, allowing them to graze as they went. Chuckwagons and relays of horses followed behind. Trailing gave way to trucking, and the last portion of the driveway was officially closed in November of 1971.

Erected by Bureau of Land Management, New Mexico State Highway Department.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) series list. A significant historical month for this entry is November 1971.

Location. 34° 4.891′ N, 107° 24.006′ W. Marker is in Magdalena, New Mexico, in Socorro County. Marker is on U.S. 60, 24 miles west of Interstate 25, on the

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right when traveling west. Approximately 16 miles east of Datil and New Mexico Highway 12. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Magdalena NM 87825, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 5 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Magdalena (approx. 8.7 miles away); Riley (approx. 9.3 miles away); Kelly (approx. 9½ miles away); a different marker also named Kelly (approx. 9½ miles away); Magdalena Fault (approx. 10 miles away).

More about this marker. This is an area used a long time for many purposes near the top of the grade between Magdalena and Datil. It is a large primitive rest area with lots of room. There's a four inch tall freshly cut tree stump north of the trash cans in the middle of what a driver might mistake for the main track in or out of this location, particularly in the dark.

Magdalena Livestock Driveway Marker and Vicinity image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Chris English, October 25, 2012

2. Magdalena Livestock Driveway Marker and Vicinity

View E, Magdalena Livestock Driveway Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Chris English, October 25, 2012

3. View E, Magdalena Livestock Driveway Marker

View S, Magdalena Livestock Driveway Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Chris English, October 25, 2012

4. View S, Magdalena Livestock Driveway Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 27, 2012, by Chris English of Phoenix, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,846 times since then and 351 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 27, 2012, by Chris English of Phoenix, Arizona. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.