This Quiet New Mexico City Is Hiding In Plain Sight
Prospectors hungry for fortune kicked off Silver City's story by pulling silver right out of the hills where the present town stands. Back then, the town’s foundation was just basic wooden buildings. As the years passed, it continued to grow, eventually securing key locations such as courthouses and local schools. As time went on, the town's economy might have changed, but its spirit has remained strong. Mining gave way to ranching and education, and Western New Mexico University became a major part of town, adding a steady stream of students and faculty to the local mix. There are not many places that offer the combination of local landmarks and the nature of the Gila wilderness nearby. In fact, there are all sorts of great reasons to visit this New Mexico town, as it sits hiding in plain sight.
Brief Town History
Silver was first found in the area by Captain John M. Bullard and his brother James in 1870. A mining camp soon grew and prospered. Soon, the mining camp became a town, and by 1886, train lines connected the town with other regional areas. Silver and copper were major reasons for its growth in the late nineteenth century. These resources transformed the town of Silver City into one of the largest settlements in the New Mexico Territory. By 1878, the community obtained a formal charter, and businesses continued to develop while ore was still being extracted.
Not everything went well for the young town. In 1895, a severe flood destroyed much of the central district along the San Vicente Creek. The town had to raise its commercial district up the hill and start fresh. As the 20th century went on, jobs slowly shifted away from mining into things like ranching, tourism, and education. Many newcomers arrived seeking the region’s dry climate for health reasons, particularly tuberculosis patients, and the growing presence of education and local institutions also helped sustain the town’s population. People started pouring in for adventure tied to the Gila region, with all the wilderness options that come with it. These days, Silver City acts as the key commercial and service hub for Grant County, and the town has a population of nearly 9,500.
Notable Landmarks To See
The town has lots of interesting landmarks to see. Take the Grant County Courthouse, for instance, which is parked right near downtown and runs county operations. Built in the early twentieth century, it reflects Silver City’s role as a regional legal center, and its bold Art Deco stone facade is hard to miss. Another landmark to see is the Silco Theater, which operates on Bullard Street. Built in 1926, it features both films and local documentaries, so whenever you swing by, you’re likely to find something entertaining happening.
Just a couple of minutes away from the theatre, the Silver City Museum sits in a vintage nineteenth-century brick house found in the center of downtown. You will find exhibits that teach regional history, and the museum maintains a public archive that is open all year. For something interesting and historic, check out Big Ditch Park, winding along the route the 1895 flood carved out. After the flood, officials eventually blocked off the stream and changed it into a walkway for people to stroll. Sitting at nearly 5,900 feet above sea level, this town stays refreshingly cool in contrast to other spots down south in the state. If you want to get outside and see some nature, the Gila National Forest, just outside town, offers all kinds of chances for trekking or hiking, so you should definitely check it out.
Higher Education and Hot Springs
Western New Mexico University is parked right on Silver City’s west side, and has been a bit part of the local vibe since way back in 1893 when it was founded. Originally, its history began with a focus on training teachers, but eventually evolved into a public university that is now a significant source of local undergraduate and graduate degrees. It maintains a consistent flow of students and staff, which increases demand for housing and keeps the area active throughout the year, not just during tourist season.
Speaking of tourists, hot springs are a popular location to visit when you arrive. The hot springs also give an extra advantage because they are very close to town. If you drive about sixty minutes north of town, you will find the Gila Hot Springs along the Gila River. Heated naturally by geothermal activity, the temperatures of hot springs change depending on water flow and weather near them. They are open to the public and managed through a mix of private and public access points.
Canyon Petroglyph Hikes
One of the best highlights of town is the petroglyphs. Several canyon hikes near Silver City contain documented petroglyph sites connected to Indigenous use of the region over many centuries. The Dragonfly Loop Trail near Fort Bayard sits east of Silver City and ranks among the closest examples. The loop heads through high desert landscape, winding past a labeled petroglyph spot chipped into volcanic stone. That dragonfly shape scratched into the rock is how the trail got its name.
If you drive north from town for about 1.5 hours, you will find the Gila Cliff Dwellings zone, a national monument preserving ancient Mogollon cliff dwellings where visitors can hike to rooms built into canyon walls around the 13th century, and which also hides extra rock art among nearby canyons. Finding these spots is not usually straightforward. Some places are not marked, and you mainly hear about them from niche guidebooks or word of mouth instead of official signage.
A Worthwhile Visit
You might not know Silver City, but after you visit, you will not soon forget it. From its cultural spaces, like the Silco Theater, to the beauty of the petroglyphs nearby, the town offers a combination of activities not easily found. So, if having a quiet day in town or heading out to hot springs are things you are into, don’t pass on Silver City. Because while it might be hiding in plain sight, it will soon be a town you keep coming back to see.
