Silver City history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Silver City began in the summer of 1870, shortly after the discovery of rich silver deposits in the Chloride Flat area. Captain John M. Bullard and his brother James discovered deposits of the precious metal west of the San Vicente farm. Rumours of the find spread quickly, attracting prospectors and settlers.

Unlike many other mining camps that arose spontaneously and disappeared, Silver City was planned as a permanent settlement from the very beginning. By 1871, it had already received the status of the administrative centre of Grant County, and in 1878 it was officially incorporated, becoming the first incorporated municipality in the Territory of New Mexico.

Key Factors of Development

The development of the city was determined by a combination of natural wealth and strategic decisions:

• Mineral Resources: The main driver of the economy was silver mining. When silver prices fell, the city was able to reorient itself towards copper mining, which saved it from the fate of becoming a ghost town.
• Geography and Climate: Its location in the foothills of the Pinos Altos range provided protection from harsh winds, and the high-altitude climate was considered healing, which later attracted patients suffering from tuberculosis.
• Transport Accessibility: The arrival of the railway in 1883 connected Silver City with the outside world, simplifying the export of ore and the delivery of goods, which turned the city into the region's trading hub.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Silver City stood out from typical Wild West settlements due to its architecture and desire for order. Due to the risk of fires and floods, residents began constructing buildings from brick in the Victorian style early on, many of which have survived to this day. This gave the city a more respectable appearance compared to wooden prospector towns.

Nevertheless, the spirit of the frontier was strong. The city is known as the place where the famous outlaw Billy the Kid (Henry McCarty) spent his childhood and youth. The economic life of early Silver City was turbulent: historical records show that saloons and gaming houses flourished here, existing alongside churches and schools, creating a unique cultural landscape at the intersection of lawlessness and civilisation.

Chronology of Silver City's Development

• 1870 — Captain John M. Bullard discovers silver deposits in the Chloride Flat area, leading to the founding of the settlement.
• 1871 — Silver City becomes the administrative centre of the newly formed Grant County.
• 1873 — Catherine Antrim moves to the city with her sons, one of whom, Henry McCarty, would later become known as Billy the Kid.
• 1875 — The future legendary outlaw Billy the Kid makes his first escape from the Silver City jail after being arrested for theft.
• 1878 — Silver City receives official city status, becoming the first incorporated municipality in the Territory of New Mexico.
• 1883 — The railway arrives in the city, connecting it to the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe transport network.
• 1893 — Foundation of the Territorial Normal School, which is known today as Western New Mexico University.
• 1895 — A severe flood destroys the main street, turning it into a deep ravine, now known as the "Big Ditch" park.
• 1900s — The region's economy begins to reorient from silver mining to the development of copper deposits, particularly at the Santa Rita mine.
• 1950–1952 — The famous Empire Zinc strike takes place in the vicinity, the events of which formed the basis for the cult film "Salt of the Earth".
• 1978 — The Silver City Historic District is included in the National Register of Historic Places thanks to its preserved Victorian architecture.
• 1980s — The beginning of the city's transformation into a popular arts centre, attracting artists, musicians, and retirees.
• 1987 — The "Tour of the Gila" cycling race is held for the first time, becoming one of the region's main sporting events.

Key Stages of Silver City's Transformation

The history of the city is a series of adaptations to economic and natural challenges. Here are the main milestones that defined the modern appearance and status of Silver City:

• The "Brick Revolution" and Urban Planning (1870s)
  Unlike typical wooden camps of the Wild West, Silver City almost immediately began to be built up with brick buildings in the Victorian style. This decision not only gave the city a respectable appearance but also saved it from fires that often destroyed neighbouring settlements, laying the foundation for longevity.
• Railway Breakthrough (1883)
  Connection to the railway network turned the isolated mountain town into the main trade and transport hub of southwest New Mexico. This ensured the stable export of ore and the influx of goods, securing the city's status as a regional economic leader.
• Creation of an Intellectual Centre (1893)
  The founding of the Territorial Normal School (now Western New Mexico University) became a crucial cultural milestone. The appearance of a higher education institution diversified society, diluting the harsh mining environment with an academic community and students.
• Formation of the "Big Ditch" (1895–1903)
  A series of powerful floods literally washed away the main commercial street, turning it into a deep ravine. This event forever changed the map of the city: the business centre shifted to Bullard Street, and the unique Big Ditch Park later emerged on the site of the destruction, becoming a symbol of the citizens' resilience against the elements.
• Transition from Silver to Copper (Early 20th Century)
  When silver reserves were depleted, the city avoided desolation by reorienting towards copper mining at the Santa Rita quarry (Chino Mine). This economic manoeuvre provided jobs for decades to come and allowed the city to survive crises that destroyed other "silver" towns.
• Tourism and Art Renaissance (Since the 1980s)
  At the end of the 20th century, Silver City found a new niche, becoming an attractive place for artists, musicians, and retirees. The preservation of the historical centre and the development of festival culture allowed for the diversification of the economy, reducing dependence on the mining industry.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architecture of Silver City is unique for the American Southwest. Unlike many mining towns built hastily from wood or the region's traditional adobe, brick construction from the late 19th century dominates here. This gives the historic city centre an appearance more characteristic of the Midwest or the East Coast of the USA rather than the deserts of New Mexico.

Main Architectural Eras and Styles

The development of the city can be traced through the succession of architectural trends, which reflect the economic upswings and cultural influences of different periods:

• Victorian Era (1870–1900)
  The city's Golden Age. After early wooden structures suffered from fires, a decree was introduced requiring construction with brick. Clay for bricks was mined directly in the vicinity.
  • Styles: Italianate and Second Empire (Mansard style).
  • Characteristic features: Arched windows, decorative cornices, flat or mansard roofs, use of red brick with contrasting trim.
• Institutional Construction (Early 20th Century)
  With the appearance of the university and the growth of the city's administrative role, more monumental public buildings began to appear.
  • Styles: Neoclassicism and Colonial Revival.
  • Characteristic features: Symmetry, columns, strict proportions emphasising the status of educational and government institutions.
• Regional Renaissance (1920–1940)
  During this period, architects began to turn to local roots, combining modern construction methods with the aesthetics of indigenous peoples.
  • Styles: Pueblo Revival and Spanish Colonial Style.
  • Characteristic features: Imitation adobe, rounded corners, protruding wooden beams (vigas), flat roofs, and inner courtyards.
• Modernisation and Entertainment (Mid-20th Century)
  The era of the flourishing of cinema and car culture brought new geometric forms to the city.
  • Style: Art Deco.
  • Characteristic features: Neon signs, geometric ornaments, stylised fonts, and bright façade colours.

Iconic Buildings and Urban Features

Silver City's urban planning history has a dramatic twist. Initially, the main artery was Main Street, but a series of catastrophic floods in the late 19th century literally washed it away, turning it into a deep ravine. Today, the commercial centre has shifted to Bullard Street, and the "Big Ditch Park" has been established on the site of the old main street.

Among the buildings that form the appearance of the city, the following are worth highlighting:

• H.B. Ailman House: The Silver City Museum is now located here. This is a classic example of the Victorian "Second Empire" style with a characteristic mansard roof and observation tower.
• Silco Theater: A restored cinema on Bullard Street, a striking representative of the Art Deco style, preserving the spirit of the 1920s.
• Light Hall: One of the oldest buildings on the Western New Mexico University campus, combining elements of classicism and local flavour, located at the top of a hill.
• The Stine-Fleming House: An example of a wealthy residential residence in the Queen Anne style with an asymmetrical façade and complex roof.

Notable Personalities of Silver City

Silver City has been home to many brilliant people who left their mark not only in the local chronicle but also in world history. From legendary gunmen of the frontier era to conquerors of space, the biography of the city is filled with amazing destinies.

The Wild West Era

• Henry McCarty (Billy the Kid) — Legendary Outlaw
  One of the most famous gunmen of the American West spent his childhood and teenage years in Silver City. It was here that he attended school and committed his first offence (stealing clothes from a laundry), after which he escaped from the local jail through a chimney, beginning his path outside the law.
• Catherine Antrim — Mother of Billy the Kid
  Unlike her son, Catherine was a respected and pious resident of the city, known for her cheerful disposition and singing ability. Her grave at the "Memory Lane" cemetery is one of the visited historical points of the city, symbolising the difficult fate of women on the frontier.
• Ben Lilly — Hunter and Naturalist
  A famous predator hunter who worked for Theodore Roosevelt and the US government. Lilly was a legend of the Gila mountains, known for his incredible endurance and asceticism. His legacy is closely connected with the history of the exploration of the region's wildlife.

Science, Culture and Development

• Harrison "Jack" Schmitt — Astronaut and Geologist
  A native of the region (born in neighbouring Santa Rita, grew up in Silver City), who became the pilot of the lunar module for the Apollo 17 mission. He was the first and only professional scientist-geologist to step on the surface of the Moon. Later, he served as a US Senator for the state of New Mexico.
• Henry B. Ailman — Entrepreneur and Patron
  Arriving in the city as a poor prospector, he became rich from silver mines and became one of the key figures in the city's development. The Victorian-style mansion he built is today the building of the Silver City Museum.
• Paul Benedict — Theatre and Film Actor
  Born in Silver City. He became known to the general public thanks to the role of the eccentric Englishman Harry Bentley in the popular sitcom "The Jeffersons", as well as numerous works on Broadway and in Hollywood films.