Animas in Hidalgo County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)

The Clanton Hideout

Photographed By Bill Kirchner, November 3, 2010

1. The Clanton Hideout Marker

Inscription. The infamous Clanton Gang had two crude dugouts here in the 1880s that served as hideouts and a base for wide-ranging outlaw activities, particularly in connection with the Curly Bill Gang’s depredations along the Smugglers’ Trail that passed by here. Old Man Clanton was ambushed below the border in revenge for a Skeleton Canyon massacre.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Roads & Vehicles.

Location. 31° 57.143′ N, 108° 48.463′ W. Marker is in Animas, New Mexico, in Hidalgo County. Marker is at the intersection of State Road 338 at milepost 24.4 and State Road 9, on the left when traveling north on State Road 338. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Animas NM 88020, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 2 other markers are within 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Smugglers’ Trail (here, next to this marker); Playas Siding (approx. 11.3 miles away).

Additional commentary.
1. The Clanton Gang
The Clanton Gang was also known as “The Cowboys” by the locals in the Arizona Territory.

The Clanton’s arrived in the Arizona Territory in 1878. They first undertook ranching and freighting,

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but by 1873 they were involved in outlaw activities, including cattle rustling, stage robberies, ambushing teamsters and murder. With Newman Hayes “Old Man” Clanton at the helm, the Clanton family, with their neighbors - the McLaury’s, and several ranch hands, controlled the territory from Tombstone, Arizona to the Animas Valley in New Mexico. Their activities were unchallenged until the arrival of the Earp brothers to Tombstone. Their confrontations eventually led to the famous “Shoot Out at the O.K. Corral”

— Submitted November 12, 2010.

Photographed By Bill Kirchner, November 3, 2010

2. The Clanton Hideout Marker

The Smuggler's Trail Marker is on the rear of this marker.

Photographed By Bill Kirchner, November 3, 2010

3. The Clanton Hideout Marker

View north along Hwy 338.

Newman Hayes "Old Man" Clanton image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Wikipedia, circa 1880's

4. Newman Hayes "Old Man" Clanton

Credits. This page was last revised on January 4, 2021. It was originally submitted on November 10, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,889 times since then and 122 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 10, 2010, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 4. submitted on November 12, 2010. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.