MadridOutdoor Escape Game & Treasure Hunt

From Coal Gulch to Company Town

Madrid, New Mexico, began as "Coal Gulch" around 1835, when Mexican miners extracted coal from the Ortiz Mountains. This coal fueled primitive smelting furnaces. Demand for coal increased after the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad reached Santa Fe in 1880. By 1892, the coal yield from Coal Gulch supported a 6.5-mile standard gauge railroad spur connecting the community to the Santa Fe Railroad. This marked Madrid's beginning as a company town, owned and operated by the Cerrillos Coal & Iron Co. and later the Albuquerque and Cerrillos Coal Company.

At its peak in the 1920s and 1930s, Madrid had approximately 3,000 residents, exceeding Albuquerque's population at the time. The company provided housing, medical care, and brought in 160,000 gallons of water daily by tank car. Madrid was notable for its simultaneous production of both high-grade anthracite and bituminous coal, a rare geological occurrence. The town was also known for its Christmas light displays, powered by coal-fueled electricity, which drew thousands of visitors annually.

The Ghost Town Era and Artistic Rebirth

Madrid's fortunes changed after World War II. Natural gas replaced coal as a primary heating fuel, and railroads transitioned to diesel locomotives. Coal demand decreased. By 1954, the Albuquerque and Cerrillos Coal Company ceased operations. Most residents left, and Madrid became a ghost town for two decades. The town was listed for sale in the Wall Street Journal for $250,000, but found no buyers.

The 1970s brought a new phase to Madrid. Artists and homesteaders began to settle in the abandoned company houses, drawn by inexpensive properties and the town's independent character. This influx transformed Madrid into the arts community it is today, with galleries and shops lining Main Street, many in original historic buildings.

• —Old Coal Mine Museum — This three-acre site details Madrid's mining and railroad history. Visitors can see a below-ground coal seam and ring the bell on a 1900 steam locomotive.
• —Engine House Theatre — This building originally housed Engine 769, the train that transported coal to Santa Fe. It now serves as a venue for performances.
• —Madrid Ballpark — Built in 1922 by Oscar Huber, this was the first illuminated baseball park west of the Mississippi. It remains in use.
• —Mine Shaft Tavern — Rebuilt in 1947 after a 1944 fire, this tavern has a 40-foot pine bar, reportedly the longest stand-up bar in New Mexico. It hosts live music and local events.
• —Old Company Store — This building is from Madrid's company town era, where miners purchased necessities. It contributes to Main Street's historic character.
• —Oscar Huber House — This was the residence of Oscar Huber, superintendent of the mines. It is an example of architecture from Madrid's mining period.
• —Main Street — This is the center of Madrid's artist district. It has storefronts that were once company houses, now occupied by independent galleries, studios, and shops.

For comfortable weather, visit Madrid, New Mexico, from mid-April to mid-June and from August to mid-October. Temperatures are mild, with average highs from the mid-60s to low 80s Fahrenheit. July is the warmest month, with highs around 87-88°F. Winters, especially December and January, are cold, with average lows around 20-21°F and highs in the 40s. Snowfall averages 21 inches annually. Madrid is active in December for its Christmas light display and parade. Avoid visiting in winter if cold weather and snow are a concern, as some smaller establishments may have reduced hours.

Madrid is on the Turquoise Trail Scenic Byway (Highway 14), about 30 minutes south of Santa Fe and an hour north of Albuquerque. From Albuquerque, take I-40 eastbound, exit at Tijeras, and go north on Highway 14. From Santa Fe, take Highway 14 south.

Madrid is small enough to walk, especially Main Street. A car is needed to reach the town and explore the Turquoise Trail. Street parking is available along Main Street, and there are several small parking lots, including a free lot behind the Mine Shaft Tavern. During events or peak season, parking can fill. Cell service in Madrid can be unreliable or absent.

Public transportation is available via the fare-free NCRTD 275 Turquoise Trail bus route, connecting Madrid to Los Cerrillos, the NM-599 Rail Runner Station, and Santa Fe.