Dawson
Cemetery of the Coal Mines
Dawson was a thriving coal company town that suffered two major mining disasters - in 1913 (263 dead) and 1923 (123 dead). The vast cemetery with its iron crosses is the most visited part of what remains. When the mines closed in 1950, the company demolished the town and sold the materials.
Company Town
Phelps Dodge built Dawson as a model company town. At its peak, 9,000 people lived here with schools, hospitals, and recreation facilities.
The Disasters
The 1913 explosion was the second-deadliest in U.S. history. Iron crosses marking the victims' graves stand row upon row in the cemetery.
Demolition
When mining ended, Phelps Dodge demolished the entire town and sold the lumber. Only the cemetery remains.
Timeline
- 1901 - Founded Mining began
- 1913 - First Disaster 263 miners killed
- 1923 - Second Disaster 123 miners killed
- 1950 - Closed Mines shut, town demolished
Plan Your Visit
Best Time: Spring or fall
Difficulty: Easy
Time Needed: 1 hour
Quick Facts
- 1913 disaster was second-deadliest in U.S. mining history
- Iron crosses mark each victim
- Town was completely demolished - only cemetery remains
Location
Address: Dawson, New Mexico
Coordinates: 36.6667, -104.7667