Seven Rivers, New Mexico: A Ghost Town with a Colorful Past

Tucked away between Carlsbad and Artesia, New Mexico lies a small, unassuming community with a rich and colorful history. Seven Rivers, once a bustling trading post and later a haven for outlaws, is a ghost town that still captures the imagination of visitors to this day.

The town's name originates from the seven creeks that once flowed through it, ultimately feeding into the Pecos River. Its history dates back to the mid-1860s when the first settlers arrived, drawn to the area's fertile land and abundant water sources.

For a time, Seven Rivers thrived as a trading post, but its fortunes took a turn during the infamous Lincoln County War. The Seven Rivers Warriors, a notorious gang aligned with the Murphy-Dolan faction, used the town as a refuge. Other gangs, including the Jessie Evans Gang and the John Kinney Gang, were also known to frequent the area during this time.

Despite the town's tumultuous past, Seven Rivers continued to grow in the 1880s with the addition of a schoolhouse, hotel, post office, and saloons. However, by the early 20th century, the community began to decline. Eventually, all that remained was the cemetery, which served as a somber reminder of the town's past.

In 1988, the construction of the Brantley Dam led to the relocation of the cemetery to Artesia. Today, visitors can explore the site where the town once stood and imagine what life might have been like during its heyday.

Seven Rivers may be a ghost town, but its colorful past lives on. For history buffs and adventure seekers alike, this hidden gem in southeastern New Mexico is a must-visit destination.