Ghost TownUSA

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
Plate I — Kelly, New MexicoPhoto: Slowyourroll23 (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Wikimedia Commons

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.

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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.

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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.

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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. The mapped point for Kelly is roughly 34.0852, -107.2015 — use it as a starting point and cross-reference a current topographic map before leaving pavement.

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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.

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Survey Map

Approximate position — verify access locally before visiting

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Kelly FAQs

01Where is Kelly located?
Kelly is in Socorro County County, New Mexico, mapped near 34.0852, -107.2015.
02What 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.
03What 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.
04What 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.
05Can 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. The mapped point for Kelly is roughly 34.0852, -107.2015 — use it as a starting point and cross-reference a current topographic map before leaving pavement.

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

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More in Socorro County County

All 5 ghost towns in Socorro County County →