Chile Charlie is a Midwesterner, transplanted to the Land of Enchantment. As he drives through the desert landscape in his El Camino, Charlie explores the southwest, finding adventure while learning about the history, culture, and economy of New Mexico’s Old West Country.
Whether you are a true lover of the southwest, a history buff, or a photographer, you will fall in love with the scenes depicted as you come along for the ride! Enjoy the stories of some counties in the southwest corner of the great state of New Mexico.
READ OVERVIEW
HIDALGO COUNTY, NEW MEXICO
Real Cowboy Country of the Southwest.
The day was bright and sunny as Chile Charlie went directly from the parking lot to the county building in Lordsburg, New Mexico. The building appeared to be designed for commercial use and not for governmental business. The building was two stories high. The entrance was not elevated with steps like many courthouses. You walked directly from the sidewalk into the front door of the County Building.
Chile Charlie went straight to the County Clerk’s office on the first floor wearing his black face mask over his nose and mouth. TRAVEL SOUTHWEST NM was embossed on his mask. The wearing of a face mask in public is required by New Mexico State law. The spread of the coronavirus causes the state law.
He met Sarah Kelly the elected County Clerk for the county. She served in that position for 24 years. Often she ran uncontested for the position.
Sarah Kelly appeared to be in her mid-50s. She had the stern look of a bureaucrat. Her face was moon-shaped and her lips looked like she had just eaten fresh raspberries.
Chile Charlie told Sarah he wanted to discover some of the history, culture, and economics of Hidalgo County. Did she think she had time to provide him with the needed information?
“Yes I do have time today to give you that information Charlie,” said Sarah. “Would you please step into my conference room?”
Sarah’s conference room was the size of a postage stamp. There was room for a round conference table and four chairs and two potted plants on the windowsill. But the room would be quiet so Charlie didn’t mind the size.
Sarah started her oration about Hidalgo County by saying, “We are located in the extreme southwest corner of the state. We border Arizona and Mexico.
“Hidalgo County area began as a ranching, farming and mining region many years before New Mexico became a state. Statehood for New Mexico did not come until 1912.”
“Today, Hidalgo County’s population is 4500 and covers an area of 3450 square miles. There are 1.4 persons per square mile. There are miles of open space, mountain ranges, and tranquil desert.”
“Hidalgo County was formed when the southern half of Grant County was divided. The county was named in the honor of Miguel Dolores Hidalgo, who led the revolution in Mexico in 1810. This eventually led to Mexico’s independence from Spain.”
“Lordsburg became the county seat. Lordsburg had its beginning as a railroad town. It was established on the Southern Pacific Line which was one of the first coast-to-coast railroads.”
“Lordsburg is located along Interstate 10, exactly halfway between El Paso, Texas, and Tucson, Arizona. Lordsburg caters to travelers with its hotels, restaurants, and service stations. Lordsburg becomes a welcomed rest stop for the weary travelers today.”
“Other towns in the county are Virden, Cotton City, Animus, and Rodeo.”
There came a buzzing noise from outside the conference room. Sarah said to Chile Charlie, “Please excuse me for a few minutes. I have to take care of a problem that someone has.”
Charlie said, “Yes, of course, you take care of your patrons.”
It was about 10 minutes and Sarah returned with a steamy hot cup of coffee. While Charlie sipped his coffee Sarah continued with their discussion about Hidalgo County.
She said, “The panoramic mountain horizons and spectacular views of the sky are only part of the county’s appeal. Hidalgo County has two ghost towns. There are wind sail races on a dry lake bed, as well as an anti-terrorism training facility. We are well known as a great place for birdwatching, mountain biking, and hiking.”
“Visitors can enjoy beautiful views of the Chiricahua Mountains, one of the prime destinations for literally hundreds of bird species. The Chiricahua Mountain area is a natural migration corridor for many birds. The mountains and desert provide a wide range of ecosystems and a variety of plants, animals, and bird species.
