New Mexico is a state with breathtaking natural beauty, diverse cultures, and a rich history. But it also has a darker side, with ghost stories, folklore, and riddles aplenty. If you’re looking for a thrill, consider visiting one of New Mexico’s creepiest villages, where you might feel both terrified and fascinated.
Taos: Town of Mystery and Madness
When you consider everything, Taos is one of the creepiest locations in New Mexico. Taos is a tiny town in New Mexico, with a population of around 6,000 people. The Sangre de Cristo Mountains encircle Taos, which is roughly an hour and a half from Santa Fe. These massive mountains are both gorgeous and terrifying at the same time.
Taos is well-known for its creative and spiritual communities, but it is also said to be haunted and cursed. Some of the spooky attractions in Taos are:
The Taos Hum is a mystery low-frequency sound that some people claim to hear throughout the region. The origin and nature of the hum are unknown, however some ideas link it to underground tunnels, covert military activities, or extraterrestrial activity. The hum has been linked to headaches, sleeplessness, and anxiety in some people.
The Mabel Dodge Luhan House is a historic hotel that previously housed Mabel Dodge Luhan, a socialite and art supporter. Many renowned guests have visited the residence, including D.H. Lawrence, Georgia O’Keeffe, and Ansel Adams. However, it also witnessed several catastrophic incidents, including suicides, murders, and fires. Some guests have claimed seeing apparitions, hearing voices, and experiencing chilly areas around the home.
The San Francisco de Asis Church is a 200-year-old structure that is often regarded as one of the most photographed in the country. The church boasts unusual adobe construction and a bell tower reputed to be haunted by the spirit of a lightning-killed priest. Some claim to have seen the Saint Francis statue move or cry.
Dawson: Town of Death and Despair
If you want a more solemn and dismal experience, consider visiting Dawson, a ghost town near Cimarron. Dawson was originally a thriving coal mining town, with over 9,000 residents in the early 1900s. But it also had two of the biggest mining catastrophes in American history, killing hundreds of miners.
The first explosion occurred in 1913, killing 263 miners, the majority of whom were immigrants from Italy, Greece, and China. The second explosion, in 1923, killed 121 miners, many of whom were relatives or acquaintances of the previous blast’s victims. The town never fully recovered from the disasters and was finally abandoned in the 1950s.
Today, the only relics of Dawson are the cemetery, which has rows of white crosses marking the graves of the miners, as well as some building and machinery ruins. The cemetery is a somber sight, especially on All Souls’ Day, when families and descendants of the miners visit to pay tribute. Visitors to the cemetery have reported hearing groans, whispers, and footsteps, as well as seeing shadows and orbs.
Conclusion
Explore the haunting stories of New Mexico’s intriguing settlements, where beauty meets the uncanny. Taos, with its eerie secrets such as the mysterious Taos Hum and ghostly encounters at the Mabel Dodge Luhan House, captivates visitors looking for a spine-tingling experience.
Dawson, a forlorn ghost town devastated by mining tragedies, resonates solemnly. Discover the eerie whispers and shadows of Dawson Cemetery, a haunting relic of a community devoured by death and sorrow, and add a fascinating depth to New Mexico’s compelling story.