Ghost Town USA

Ghost Town · New Mexico

Kelly

A ghost town of unknown status in Socorro County County, New Mexico.

By the Ghost Town USA research team · Last reviewed September 2026

Kelly ghost town, New Mexico
Photo: Slowyourroll23 (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons

Quick Facts

Status
Unknown Status
Access
Unknown Access
Coordinates
Not recorded

Kelly doesn't need a haunted reputation — the empty streets do the talking. Paul Joseph Kelly Jr. (born December 6, 1940) is a senior United States circuit judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. His chambers are in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Socorro County County holds 5 documented ghost towns, including Canta Recio, Gran Quivira, Paraje — Kelly keeps them company on the map.

The story of Kelly

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

Paul Joseph Kelly Jr. (born December 6, 1940) is a senior United States circuit judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. His chambers are in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

What you'll find today

The on-the-ground condition of Kelly is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.

Nobody has confirmed the access situation, so treat any visit as reconnaissance: verify land ownership first, and be ready to admire from the road.

Getting there

Here's the honest truth: access to Kelly is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times.

Good to know

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.

Kelly FAQs

Where is Kelly located?
Kelly is in Socorro County County, New Mexico. Precise coordinates aren't on record, so research maps and local directions before you go.
What county is Kelly in?
Kelly sits in Socorro County County, New Mexico. See our full guide to ghost towns in Socorro County County for its neighbors.
What is the history of Kelly?
Paul Joseph Kelly Jr. (born December 6, 1940) is a senior United States circuit judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit. His chambers are in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
What remains at Kelly today?
The on-the-ground condition of Kelly is unverified — it's listed here with unknown status. That could mean standing buildings, or an empty field. Go prepared for either, and consider sharing what you find so the record improves.
Can you visit Kelly?
Here's the honest truth: access to Kelly is unverified. We couldn't confirm whether the site sits on public land, private property, or something in between — so verify land ownership and local rules before visiting, and respect private property at all times.

Sources: description based on Wikipedia (“Paul Joseph Kelly Jr.”), CC BY-SA.

More Ghost Towns in Socorro County County

See all 5 ghost towns in Socorro County County, New Mexico