Catron County

Catron County

Catron County was created in 1921 by a division of Socorro County and named for Senator thomas B. Catron, who migrated from Missouri in 1866.
Many residents are descendants of Spanish families who first were attracted to the area by the great open ranges, and who established the still flourishing cattle industry. Other early settlers date back to 7000 B.C. These were the Indians of teh Folsom culture. Apaches were still found in the area as late as 1880. Ruins may still be seen.
The gost town of Mogollon once boasted a population of several thousand. James C. Cooney helped develop silver mines there, and also discovered gold. He was later killed during an Indian raid.
Wildlife to be seen includes deer, antelope, bear, elk, mountain linon, bobcats, javelina, quil, grouse, and turkey. the Catwalk at Glenwood is popular, as well as Salt Lake near quemado. For the sportsman there is fishing at Snow Lake, Quemado Lake, and in Negrito, Gila, and Whitewater streams.

Person of Contact: Kate Fletcher, County Manager