Raton, New Mexico Totally Explained

Everything about Raton New Mexico totally explained

Raton is a city in Colfax County, New Mexico, United States. The population was 7,282 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Colfax County. The city is located just south of Raton Pass.

Name

Raton is a Spanish word for rat or mouse. Raton was originally named Willow Springs but the name was changed to Raton in the late 19th century.

History

Raton Pass had been used by Spanish explorers and Indians for centuries to cut through the rugged Rocky Mountains, but the trail was just too rough for wagons on the Santa Fe Trail.
Raton was founded at the site of Willow Springs, a stop on the Santa Fe Trail. The original for the Raton townsite were purchased from the Maxwell Land Grant in 1880. In 1879, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway bought a local toll road and established a busy rail line. Raton quickly developed as a railroad, mining and ranching center for the northeast part of the New Mexico territory, as well as the county seat and principal trading center of the area.

NE New Mexico Web

Transportation

Railway

Raton Amtrak Station is a stop on the Southwest Chief route.

Airport

Raton Municipal Airport. All weather airport. Major Highways

Interstate 25

Recreation

Sugarite Canyon State Park is located 12 miles (19 km) NE of Raton, NM. Elev. 8,800 ft (2,682 m). Camping, Fishing, Hiking.
NRA Whittington Center - Located 15 miles (24 km) SW of Raton, NM. Largest NRA shooting range in the US. National Competitions. High power rifle, skeet.
The United States Fish and Wildlife Service manages the Maxwell National Wildlife Refuge which is located approximately 25 miles south of Raton, NM . The Refuge offers excellent birding opportunities during the spring and fall migrations. It consists of several lakes, fields and woodlots managed for birds and the areas other wildlife. Philmont Scout Ranch

Annual Events

International Santa Fe Trail Balloon Rally - Hot Air Balloon Rally held around the Fourth of July.
Raton Rodeo Association Rodeo - Held Every summer in June.

Notable natives and residents

Tom W. Blackburn - Western writer who also wrote the lyrics to The Ballad of Davy Crockett

The Fireballs - Rock Band who had a number one hit with 1963's "Sugar Shack" and "Bottle of Wine, Fruit of the vine"

Steven F. Havill - Writer of Mysteries and Westerns.

John Morrow - United States Representative from New Mexico

John R. Sinnock - US Mint engraver known for work on the FDR dime

Robert W. Warren - Attorney General of WisconsinFurther Information

Get more info on 'Raton New Mexico'.

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