Today, White Oaks is a charming reminder of our Old West history but in the late 1800's it was a boom town as a direct result of the gold and coal found in the surrounding mountains. The dramatic rise from a tent-city to a bustling, thriving, territorial New Mexican town of 2,500 almost overnight is a prime indication of man's attraction to gold. The fact that White Oaks was located in the middle of nowhere did not prevent hordes of prospectors, businessmen, and an occasional outlaw from making his way into the area that became the richest in New Mexico. All told, the mines of White Oaks yielded more pure gold than any other in the United States. Still, this could not prevent the eventual "petering out" of the gold supply, which, coupled with the lack of a railroad spur, spelled doom for White Oaks. These facts alone drove the inhabitants from the town they had created and loved, but they never erased their memories, a fact that makes White Oaks remain alive in the memories of many to this day. Visit www.whiteoaksnewmexico.com

As White Oaks began to decline at the turn of the 20th century, Carrizozo began to flourish. Many White Oaks' former residents moved their homes and businesses down to the new town. Railroad employees were moving in. The land surrounding Carrizozo was opened for homesteading. In 1905, Eddy sold his railroad to Phelps Dodge Company, who renamed it the El Paso and Southwestern. In 1906, developer Ira Wetmore, acquired the Eddy Brothers' development company and platted the town. Carrizozo, like the new century, had grand dreams for its future. Today Carrizozo is experiencing a small rebirth as people seek the charm, friendliness and slower pace of life which is found in this quiet small town. Visit www.townofcarrizozo.org