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New Mexico Midland Railway Co. Ledger

 Collection
Identifier: MSS-839-SC

Scope and Content

The collection consists of one ledger with entries from 1918-1919. Tissue paper ledger pages contain copies of shipping manifests for cargo and goods shipped to/from San Antonio, NM and the coal mining town of Carthage, NM, and points beyond. Each sheet gives destination, cargo, description of material, cost to ship, etc. Shipments include mining supplies and equipment as well as mercantile goods. Prominent shippers/consignees include Carthage Fuel Co., Carthage Mercantile Co., B. H. Kinney, Gross Kelly and Co., and Charles Ilfeld Co.

Dates

  • 1918-1919

Language of Materials

English

Access Restrictions

The collection is open for research.

Copy Restrictions

Due to the fragile nature of tissue paper pages, photocopy duplication is not permitted. User is responsible for compliance with all copyright, privacy, and libel laws. Permission is required for publication or distribution.

Biography / History

A ten mile branch of the Atchison Topeka and Santa Fe Railroad from San Antonio to Carthage, NM was completed in May 1883. This branch was used for shipping coal until reports circulated that the Government Mine in Carthage was exhausted. The branch was abandoned in 1896. The tracks were pulled up. The truss bridge over the Rio Grande at San Antonio was left standing and given to Socorro County by the Santa Fe Railway Company, as was the old roadbed.

Reports turned out to be premature. The mine was not exhausted and the Carthage Fuel Company continued coal mining operations. With the loss of the railroad branch, shipping was via wagon to the railroad in San Antonio, which proved inefficient and costly. Carthage Fuel Company formed a subsidiary, the New Mexico Midland Railway Company, in June 1904. Using the old Santa Fe grade, new track was laid. Trains began running in the summer of 1906. The ten mile trip between San Antonio and Carthage took approximately one hour and twenty five minutes. The return trip took an additional five minutes because it was slightly uphill. The Carthage Fuel Company mines became exhausted in December 1925; the railroad ceased operation in 1931. Sources: Myrick, David F. New Mexico Railroads: A Historical Survey. University of New Mexico Press, 1990.

Extent

1 ledger (10.5" x 14.5")

Abstract

Ledger detailing shipping manifests for cargo and goods to/from San Antonio, NM and Carthage, NM, and points beyond.

Related Archival Material

Gross, Kelly & Company Records. Center for Southwest Research. University of New Mexico. Charles Ilfeld Company Records. Center for Southwest Research. University of New Mexico.
Title
Finding Aid of the New Mexico Midland Railway Co. Ledger, 1918-1919
Status
Edited Full Draft
Author
B. Silbergleit
Date
© 2009
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
English
Script of description
Latin
Language of description note
Finding aid is in English

Revision Statements

  • Monday, 20210524: Attribute normal is missing or blank.

Repository Details

Part of the UNM Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections Repository

Contact:
University of New Mexico Center for Southwest Research & Special Collections
University Libraries, MSC05 3020
1 University of New Mexico
Albuquerque NM 87131
505-277-6451