Raton in Colfax County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)

First Automobile in New Mexico

Photographed By Bill Kirchner, September 21, 2014

1. First Automobile in New Mexico Marker

Inscription. Robert L. Dodson bought a steam-powered Locomobile in Denver with plans to drive it to Albuquerque. Accompanied by a Locomobile representative, on November 30, 1900, the pair became the first motorists to traverse treacherous Raton Pass into New Mexico. The trip to Raton, largely on wagon roads, took five days. A few days later the Locomobile arrived in Albuquerque to fanfare and some consternation.

Erected by New Mexico Historic Preservation Division.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical month for this entry is November 1879.

Location. 36° 53.112′ N, 104° 26.35′ W. Marker is in Raton, New Mexico, in Colfax County. Marker is at the intersection of Clayton Road and Whittier Street, on the right when traveling west on Clayton Road. Marker is on the northwest corner. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Raton NM 87740, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 7 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The Mountain Route (a few steps from this marker); Raton (approx. 1.1 miles away); Palace Hotel (approx. 1.1 miles away); Santa Fe Trail (approx. 4.8 miles away); Road to Santa Fe - Over the Pass / Santa Fe Trail Country - "Uncle Dick" Wootton

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(approx. 7.8 miles away in Colorado); Raton Pass (approx. 7.9 miles away in Colorado); Trinidad: A Place to Explore and Discover… Create and Recreate..... Innovate and Invent (approx. 8.8 miles away in Colorado).

Photographed By Bill Kirchner, September 21, 2014

2. First Automobile in New Mexico Marker

Back of Marker
Points of Interest
New Mexico's Historic Markers typically have a map on the back side showing the location of other OSHM's. This is an excellent source of information when exploring for other Historical Markers and locations.

Photographed By Bill Kirchner, September 21, 2014

3. First Automobile in New Mexico Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 10, 2014, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 924 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 10, 2014, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.