Motorcycle Rides USA

WILD WEST TRIP - Santa Fe, New Mexico

After Tombstone, Arizona, I headed diagonally across New Mexico to Santa Fe. I have to say, I am not a big fan of NM roads. They are cracked, rough, and full of potholes. I stopped in Madrid, just south of Santa Fe, to eat at Maggie’s Diner, made famous by the movie Wild Hogs. By the time I got there, it was closed. ☹️ But I did take a couple of pics. I arrived in Santa Fe early evening, gassed up and then went looking for an RV Park for the night. It took me 3 different RV Parks to find one with a space. The 3rd one I pulled into the office was closed. A friendly camper came over and suggested I take a spot, pointing to it, and settle up with the office in the morning. So I set up my tent trailer and jumped on the bike to get dinner. When I got back at the camp, I was greeted by a couple that were the managers. They were yelling and screaming at me for setting up my camp without their permission. They said there were absolutely no late check ins. They said they called the cops on me for trespassing, and they would be there in an hour if I wasn’t packed up and gone. It was about 10 o’clock at this time. I apologized letting them know I wasn’t aware that there were no late check ins. I packed up, rode down the street to the nearest motel for the night. Hense my picture of my rig at the motel.

Before I post the history of Santa Fe, I want to express my feelings of the town. (I hope I don’t offend anyone) When I first rode into the town, and at the gas station, I had an uneasy feeling about this place. The area was dirty and run down. The people at the gas station were sketchy-looking and unfriendly. I didn’t feel safe. Then to be kicked out of an RV Park, was the icing on the cake. I doubt I will ever return here again. So, because I was eager to get out of town the next day, I didn’t personally go to the historic district. I found a few images of some historic buildings and posted them below.

Now, here is the history of this town, that I think at one point in time was a nice place to live:

Santa Fe, the capital of New Mexico, is a city steeped in rich history, particularly that of the Old West. Established in 1610, it's one of the oldest cities in the United States. Santa Fe was a significant hub during the western expansion, with pioneers, traders, and prospectors passing through on the famed Santa Fe Trail.

The city's Old West history is vividly preserved in its architecture, museums, and historic districts, like the Old Santa Fe Trail and the Barrio De Analco Historic District, which transport visitors back in time.

Santa Fe's historic charm and picturesque landscapes have also caught the attention of Hollywood. Over the years, it has served as the backdrop for various films, capturing the essence of the Old West. Notable films shot in Santa Fe include the western classic "The Cowboys" and the modern hit "No Country for Old Men."

In essence, Santa Fe's Old West history is not just preserved in its streets and buildings, but also immortalized in the silver screen, making it a fascinating destination for history buffs and film enthusiasts alike.

WILD WEST TRIP - Gleeson, Az

After Tombstone, I rode out to Gleeson, an old abandoned mining town. There wasn’t much left.

Here’s some interesting information about the town:

Gleeson, Arizona, is a ghost town that holds a captivating history dating back to the Old West era. Initially inhabited by Native Americans, the area was later discovered by prospectors in the 1870s, who were drawn by the rich deposits of copper, gold, and silver.

The town was officially established as Turquoise in 1896 but was later renamed Gleeson in 1900, after Patrick Gleeson, an Irish miner and entrepreneur. Gleeson played a significant role in the town's prosperity, owning the Copper Belle Mine, which was the largest mine in the area.

The town thrived during the early 20th century, housing saloons, a jail, a hospital, and even a baseball team. However, as the mines depleted, the town's population started dwindling. The post office closed in 1939, marking the end of Gleeson as a mining town.

Today, Gleeson stands as a symbol of the past, attracting history buffs and adventurers alike. The remnants of the town, including the jail and several other buildings, have been preserved and are open for public tours.

Interestingly, the rugged and authentic old west look of Gleeson has caught the attention of Hollywood as well. The town served as a filming location for the 1990 Western movie "Young Guns II", starring Emilio Estevez and Kiefer Sutherland.

Gleeson, AZ, with its rich history and old west charm, is a fascinating destination that offers a glimpse into the life of the miners and settlers of the Old West era.

WILD WEST TRIP - Oatman, Arizona

After touring Calico today, I headed to Oatman, Arizona in time for a gun fight in the street and pet a couple of wild donkeys. Then I ended up in Kingman, Arizona for the night. While setting up my tent, this nice guy by the name of Joe, ask if he could help. Then he spent an hour visiting with me. I learned his life history. A really nice guy.

Here’s the history of Oatman:

Oatman, Arizona, a small town nestled in the Black Mountains of Mohave County, carries a rich history dating back to the Old West era. Originating as a tent camp for gold miners in the early 1900s, the town quickly grew after two prospectors struck a $10 million gold find in 1915.

During its peak, Oatman was a flourishing gold rush town with a bustling population of more than 3,500. The gold mines were prosperous until they were shut down during World War II. Despite the closure, Oatman thrived, transitioning into a tourism hub, its streets a reminiscence of the Old West, drawing travelers from around the world.

A unique feature of Oatman is its resident burros, descendants of the pack animals brought by the miners, which freely roam the streets today. This adds to the authentic Wild West experience, giving visitors a glimpse into the past.

Oatman has also caught the attention of Hollywood. The town served as the backdrop for several films, most notably "How The West Was Won" (1962). In this movie, Oatman was depicted in all its glory, showcasing its classic western architecture and rugged mountainous landscape. Another notable film shot here is Universal Pictures' "Edge of Eternity" (1959), further cementing Oatman's place in Hollywood's depiction of the Old West.

Today, Oatman continues to preserve its rich history and Old West charm, attracting tourists and film enthusiasts alike, offering a unique step back in time.