Mining Raton History

by William Carroll

Mining and mine history told by those who lived it. Interviews and recordings, from 1952 to the early 80s, were collected by the Raton Library in Northern New Mexico. A coal-mining area that at one time provided an impressive portion of the State's income. Here are the people who lived the life, worked in mile-deep mines, used explosives to dislodge coal and were paid around $1 a ton for their efforts. Housing, at $4 a month, was supplied by the mine company. Water came from a barrel at the curb and each room had a light cord from the ceiling. Sport competition was the major entertainment and schooling was provided by the mine owners. All in all, a hard life Plus details of the effect of mine closures on the City of Raton. On business and more importantly on the social structure. As told by those there.

384 pages, Paperback

First published April 5, 2004