Business buildings in Cimarron, New Mexico. When the town of Cimarron was officially established in 1861 and was named for the Spanish word meaning "wild" and "unbroken." The name was extremely fitting at the time, as Cimarron was quickly attracting mountain men, outlaws, trappers, gold seekers, traders and cowboys. The settlement soon attracted the likes of such frontier characters as Clay Allison, Black Jack Ketchum, Jesse James and Buffalo Bill Cody

It was the site of the controversial Colfax County War in the late 1800's and served as the Colfax County seat from 1872 to 1882.

Today, Cimarron is a charming little small town that exudes its rich history in its museums and historic buildings, and is well worth a visit.

Photo by Kathy Weiser-Alexander.