SHAKESPEARE GHOST TOWN, Graham County Travel Guide

Shakespeare Ghost Town, located a few miles outside of Lordsburg, New Mexico, offers a captivating glimpse into the past. This remarkably preserved townsite, once known as Mexican Springs and Ralston, boomed in the late 19th century as a stagecoach stop and silver mining hub. Today, it stands as a National Historic Site, inviting visitors to walk the streets once roamed by miners, outlaws, and pioneers.The town's history is rich and colorful. Originally a stop on the Butterfield Overland Mail route in the 1850s, it transformed into a silver boomtown named Ralston in 1870. The town quickly grew to a population of 3,000, boasting 16 saloons but no churches. However, the silver boom was short-lived, and the town was further tarnished by a diamond hoax in 1872.In 1879, Colonel William G. Boyle renamed the town Shakespeare, ushering in a second mining boom. Despite the resurgence, Shakespeare never gained amenities like a church, school, or formal law enforcement. The town experienced another brief revival in 1907 with the discovery of copper, but it was not enough to save it.In 1935, Frank and Rita Hill purchased the town, preserving its historic buildings and establishing a ranch. The Hill family's dedication led to Shakespeare's designation as a National Historic Site in 1970. Today, guided tours led by descendants of the Hill family take visitors through eight buildings, sharing stories of the town's colorful past. Visitors can explore the Grant House, a former saloon and scene of frontier justice, and the Stratford Hotel, where Billy the Kid is rumored to have worked.Shakespeare Ghost Town offers a unique and immersive experience, transporting visitors back to the Wild West. It's a testament to the resilience of the American frontier and the enduring legacy of those who sought their fortunes in the rugged landscapes of the Southwest.