Raton New Mexico / The Gateway for the Atchison Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad

A view above Raton near sunset

The city of Raton New Mexico figures big in how the Atchison Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad expanded their legendary route into what was then the Territory of New Mexico. The Raton Range and Raton Peak and Raton Pass are located immediately north of the town and it is that mountain range which held the keys to any railroad wishing to serve the Santa Fe and New Mexico markets and eventually to the west coast.

Raton New Mexico is located on Interstate 25 just south of the Colorado border. If your western vacation or road trip takes you from Colorado to New Mexico, you'll pass right through Raton. In fact, the two ways to get to Raton are either via Interstate 25 or by Amtrak on it's popular Southwest Chief. The Southwest Chief offers daily service between Chicago and Los Angeles in both directions. The railroad station at Raton was built in 1903 by the AT & SF and still serves Amtrak passengers every day. Raton New Mexico is located 165 miles north of Santa Fe via Interstate 25 and 165 miles south of Colorado Springs Colorado.

Raton New Mexico was a railroad story. Like so many other towns we've written about on Western Trips, Raton's early growth was all about the railroad. When passenger railroad service declined, which it did during the late 1950's and 1960's, the town's fortunes followed suit in many ways. That being said, there are many interesting and historic sites in and around Raton which make it a good place to add to your New Mexico or western vacation planner. Raton New Mexico is located in a beautiful part of the U.S. and is a great place to visit.

Two additional Western Trips articles with photos you'll enjoy is the Montezuma Castle just outside Las Vegas New Mexico and the Santa Fe Trail old wagon ruts at Fort Union New Mexico, just south of Raton off Interstate 25.

The Railroad War of Raton Pass

The railroads were growing substantially during the 1880's. The Raton Pass at an elevation of 7,000 feet  served as a gateway into New Mexico from Colorado. The Mountain Route of the old Santa Fe Trail went through Raton Pass. It was a heavily used roadway and was the natural way for the railroad to enter the southwest. The two biggest contenders for that route happened to be the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe and the Denver and Rio Grande Railroads and the contest was hot. Whoever received clearance to build through Raton Pass would own much of the southwest's railroad traffic, both passenger and freight. The winner would also be able to serve the growing areas of Las Vegas, Santa Fe and Albuqerque.

Amtrak's Southwest Chief at Raton New Mexico

Both had built their tracks to Trinidad Colorado just north of the New Mexico border. In addition to legal maneuvering by both sides, it's said that the At & SF even hired local gunfighters. Eventually, the Denver and Rio Grande ran out of money fighting for the right of way and let the AT & SF go ahead and build south to Raton.

The Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe would go on and build their rail line through Las Vegas New Mexico, Lamy New Mexico near Santa Fe, Albuquerque and eventually to Los Angeles California. The railroad would bring in the hospitality expertise of Fred Harvey and his famous Harvey Houses and become a significant part of southwest growth and history. The Harvey House in Raton opened in 1882 when tracks reached the town. During the 1920's, Raton New Mexico was a hub for the famous Fred Harvey Indian Detours motor side trips.

Places to Visit in Raton 

The Shuler Theater- The Shuler Theater is owned by the City of Raton. The theater is named after Dr. George Jackson Shuler who worked for the AT & SF Railroad and was the first medical doctor in Raton. The first musical was performed in the theater in 1915. The Shuler Theater is a Registered Cultural Property in New Mexico. Three of the Shuler's original drop curtains and still in use to this day. Dr. Shuler also was involved in civic projects such as the establishing of the Raton City Park and it's water filtration plant. He was also one time president of the New Mexico Municipal League.

Shuler Theater in Raton, NM

The El Raton Theater- This medieval Spanish castle style theater was built in 1930. Designed by the Albuquerque, New Mexico, firm of George Williamson, Inc., it was built for the partnership of Dr. L.A. Hubbard and Thomas F. Murphy at a cost of $100,000. The theater is listed on the New Mexico State Register of Cultural Properties.The El Raton Theater was closed in 2006 and then reopened in 2008 by new owners. The theater today shows movies and hosts events.

Raton Train Depot- This historic Spanish Mission Revival train station was built in 1903 by the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad. The station is currently owned by the BNSF Railroad with efforts underway for the city to purchase the structure and restore it to a museum, gift shop, gallery and restaurant as well as a transportation center.

The Raton Museum- Here you'll find permanent displays telling the story of the areas ranching, mining and railroad heritage. The museum was started in 1938 by The Colfax County Society of Art, History & Archaeology. You'll find a large selection of photographs and artifacts. Admission is free.

(Photos are from author's private collection)


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