Corona, New Mexico

Corona, New Mexico. Population: 210 (1990 Census) Elevation: 6666 feet , Founded in 1903 Incorporated in 1947. The earliest settlers in the area were the Spanish ranchers who raised sheep and cattle on the open rangelands surrounding Corona. In the 1850's, a stage line was established from Las Vegas to White Oaks and Fort Stanton, transporting passengers, mail and supplies for the army from Ft. Union to Ft. Stanton. Among the stage stops were Pinos Wells, Red Cloud Post Office, and Greathouse Tavern. Mining began as early as 1881 in the Red Cloud area of the Gallinas mountains, but proved to be unprofitable because miners had to haul their ore by wagon to smelters in Soccoro and El Paso. With the establishment of rail lines through Corona, increased ore production became possible. At the peak of mining production, approximately 300 people were employed in the industry. Corona was established as a railroad town in 1903 with the building of the El Paso and South Western Railroad from Carrizozo to Santa Rosa where it connected to the Rock Island Line. This brought many homesteaders and farmers to the area and initiated the growth of Corona as a trade center, enabling farmers and ranchers to ship their products to market. In the 1950's, natural gas transmission lines were laid through the area, company housing was built, and some thirty families were employed. Recognized as one of the best in the state, the school has long been the focal point of the community. The district encompasses parts of three counties and serves an area of 2061 square miles. The stage lines are now gone, the mines are closed; farming is minimal; the railroad depot has been moved; trains no longer stop here and the natural gas lines have been automated. Corona is still the trade center for the area; the school is still the heart of the community; and Corona is, once again, ranching country.