Madrid
State: New Mexico
County: Santa Fe County
Founded: 1895
Peak Population: 2,500-3,000
Madrid was a coal mining company town famous for Christmas light displays so spectacular that airlines rerouted flights. When coal demand fell in the 1950s, it became a ghost town. In the 1970s, artists discovered the abandoned shacks and revived it as an eclectic arts colony with 40+ galleries.
Quick Facts
- Airlines rerouted flights so passengers could see the Christmas lights
- Company owned the entire town—even houses were identical
- Revived by artists buying abandoned shacks in the 1970s
- Featured in the film 'Wild Hogs'
Location
Address: Turquoise Trail (NM-14), Santa Fe County, New Mexico
Coordinates: 35.4108, -106.1503