Although Madrid still likes to consider itself a ghost town, it represents a unique example of resurrection. In the 1920s and 30s, Madrid was as famous for its Christmas lights as for its coal, and airlines used to reroute traffic during the holidays to show passengers the sight. Coal became important in the 1880s, but when the demand for coal diminished after World War II, long forlorn rows of identical company houses stood empty. By the 1970s, the sound of hammers could be heard throughout the town from as New Mexicans began to repopulate and renovate the homes.
Today Madrid is a creative community with more than 40 shops and galleries, several restaurants, a spa and museum.
Madrid is the perfect day trip with various events throughout the year! Strolling down Main Street, you will discover a historic village. Be sure to check out the historic Mine Shaft Tavern "roadhouse" with live music every weekend and the "ghost town" museum. Madrid has been in many movies filmed in the area, it was the town in the movie "Wild Hogs", also visit "Maggie's Diner" which was built for the movie and is now a shop.
Location
27 miles southwest of Santa Fe on State Road 14
Getting There
Madrid is located one hour north of Albuquerque and 30 minutes south of Santa Fe on the Historic Turquois Trail Scenic Byway, Highway 14.
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