Dawson

New Mexico's ghost towns layer Spanish-era villages, railroad creations, and coal camps across a single stark landscape.

Dawson (also Mountview) is a ghost town in Colfax County, New Mexico, United States. Dawson is located approximately 17 miles (27 km) northeast of Cimarron, and was the site of two separate coal mining disasters in 1913 and 1923. In 1950, the mines were closed, and by 1954 the last residents had left and the post office closed.

Little stands at Dawson today beyond foundations and scattered traces. Foundation-only sites reward visitors who enjoy reading a landscape — bring an old plat map or historic photo if you can find one, and the vanished streets start to reappear.

One caveat before you romanticize the trip: Dawson sits on private property. Set your expectations to a respectful roadside view unless you've secured the owner's permission — and never cross a fence or gate uninvited.

Start from public roads: do not cross fences or gates without the owner's explicit permission. County assessor maps can help you sort out boundaries in advance — many private sites are best appreciated from the roadside. The mapped point for Dawson is roughly 36.6600, -104.7700 — use it as a starting point and cross-reference a current topographic map before leaving pavement.

Ghost-town etiquette is simple: take only photographs. Removing artifacts is illegal on public lands and disrespectful everywhere else — and on federal land it can be a serious offense.

The ground itself demands respect: open mine shafts, collapsing floors, and old wells hide in tall grass, cell service is often nonexistent, and help can be hours away. Tell someone your plans, pack more water than you think you'll need — and save the early morning or late afternoon light for your camera.

Want the full story? The Wikipedia article on "Dawson, New Mexico" covers Dawson in more depth — find the link in Sources below. County archives, historic newspaper collections, and the state historical society are the next stops after that: plat maps, census rolls, and old photographs fill in what a short visit can't. If you make the trip, consider sharing your photos and notes — firsthand reports are how the record of Dawson gets better.