Madrid History
It is estimated that the Christmas display was seen by 100,000 visitors each year and was so popular that airline pilots detoured their flights so that the passengers could enjoy the view."
MINING
TMadrid, New Mexico was born out of the rich coal deposits in the Ortiz Mountains. It is the oldest coal mining area in New Mexico. In 1892, the site known as "Coal Gulch" was connected to the Santa Fe Railroad and became the company town of Madrid. Men came from Italy, Czecholslovakia and other countries to make a living in the mines. The first wood-framed cabins, tavern and recreation hall were built by the Colorado Fuel & Iron Company employing the miners. Then in 1906, the Albuquerque and Cerrillos Coal Company took ownership of the mining operation and wired many of the 1200 miners homes for electricity. During the 1920s and 30s, Madrid expanded to include an elementary and high school, a motion picture theatre, hospital, Catholic church and company store. At the height of coal production, Madrid was home to approximately 2500 people. The abundance of coal-fueled electricity led to a famous yearly Christmas lights display that attracted people from miles around.
In the 1950s, as the coal market collapsed, the coal mines were closed and a majority of the residents left looking for work elsewhere.
ARTISTS
In the 1970s, many artists bought properties in Madrid. The town grew from 75 to 200 households. Less expensive than Santa Fe, with a creative and free-thinking reputation, local artists were drawn to set up shop in the small town. Currently, many galleries line the streets of Madrid. The locally owned shops continue to thrive supported by a Landowners Association by-law prohibiting corporations from establishing themselves there. Many residents, business owners and artists cite this local focus as a central part of Madrid's identity.
WATER
Water is a precious resource in Madrid. Since it's inception, most residents have had to ship in water from elsewhere. The town didn't get it's own drinking well until 1967. Today, most residents access their water through Madrid Water. Originally known as the Madrid Water Cooperative, the water utility was designed to deliver water to between 75 and 150 residents in the Madrid area. However, there is limited access to water and some residents have drilled individual wells or haul water from offsite. The Town of Madrid Community Plan specifies a moratorium on drilling new wells and only allows permits for new businesses that do not increase the demand for water.
TOURISM
Made up of galleries, restaurants, inns, and shops, Madrid's economy is heavily dependent on tourism. The town is situated on the Turquoise Trail, or Highway 14, which is part of a larger historic New Mexico byway.
HISTORICAL PRESERVATION
Madrid is listed on the National Register of Historic Places due to the unique mining history of this town. The area once mined by the Pueblo for turquoise, then the Mexicans for gold, later experienced a boom in coal. Despite the closure of the mines in 1954, many of the town structures have retained their integrity due to the dry climate.
Madrid was built as a true company town. Housing, municipal services, the bar, medical services, the company store and even recreational facilities were all run by the consecutive mine owners. The company even issued it's own currency.
After the market for coal declined, Oscar Huber, the long-time company manager, sought to sell the buildings, homes and mineral rights associated with Madrid. Eventually buyers looking for small town, rural life, or a location for vacation or retirement homes bought Madrid properties. Many of these artisans continue to create art and build community while preserving the unique cultural history of the town.