NM History: Kingston is a Hidden Gem

Only in Your State | New Mexico | by Monica Spencer

Step on any patch of dirt or grass in New Mexico and you’re bound to encounter a spot reclaimed by nature. Centuries-old ancestral sites, decrepit mining towns, and abandoned roadside attractions dot the landscape here, making this state all the more enchanting to explore.

Lots of little towns are tucked away in New Mexico’s rugged mountain ranges, some more well-known than others.

One hidden gem in the foothills of the Black Range is the once-booming mining town Kingston. Founded in the early 1880s after the discovery of silver ore in the area, Kingston was one of several boomtowns that created a prosperous mining district.

The town started as a mining camp in 1882 called Percha City and eventually grew to a population of 1,800. Kingston became a classic western boomtown—home to hotels, saloons, brothels, and general stores for the bustling town.

Things came to an end within a decade, however, with an economic depression in 1893 that dropped silver prices and led to a significant decline in mining operations. From there, the town’s population dwindled and buildings quickly fell into decay. These days a mere 35 people call Kingston home and few of the original buildings still stand.

The most intact is the historic Percha Bank which sits right along Main Street. Today it operates as a museum and gallery, detailing life in Kingston’s heyday.

Another location to visit is the Kingston School House Museum, located a short walk from the Percha Bank.

This small museum offers a look into life in Kingston with photos, documents, and artifacts. And, if you are looking for a longer experience in this little ghost town, you’ll want to book a stay at the Black Range Lodge.

The lodge has seven suites, plus two additional buildings for a more private stay. Kingston is located in southwestern New Mexico, approximately 48 miles east of Silver City via State Road 152.