Dawson

Disaster Cemetery

State: New Mexico County: Colfax County Founded: 1901 Abandoned: 1950 Peak Population: 9,000

Dawson was a major coal town that suffered two deadly mine explosions (1913: 263 dead, 1923: 120 dead). The haunting cemetery has iron crosses for the victims.

Plan Your Visit

Best Time: Year-round

Difficulty: Easy

Time Needed: 1-2 hours

Quick Facts

  • Two major mine disasters
  • 263 killed in 1913
  • Iron cross cemetery

Location

Address: Dawson, New Mexico

Coordinates: 36.6667, -104.7833