The White Oaks ghost town is a former mining community in Lincoln County, New Mexico. White Oaks, which was discovered by an escapee John Wilson, thrived for decades before it was deserted for good. Currently, White Oaks is a ghost town that attracts tourists worldwide in a bid to travel back in history.

Birth of White Oaks Town

The town of White Oaks was established during the mining boom when John Baxter and a friend opened two mining camps in the area. The camps within a short period had become permanent settlements with more minefields and a population of more than 500 people. By 1880, White Oak had several business premises, post offices, a school, a town hall, and a church. Its population rose to 4000. White Oak town was the second largest town after Santa Fe with its own newspaper publishing company at the time.

Lawlessness at White Oaks

White Oaks was a safe haven for most of the fugitives. This is where they would hide from the police after committing crimes. Billy the Kid, a notorious thug, made White Oaks his temporary home in early 1880. While in the town he killed a police sheriff and fled town. Billy the Kid and his other fugitive friends were forcefully chased out of the town by law-abiding citizens after the Lincoln County War.

What led to the decline of White Oaks?

White Oaks did well until the late 1890s when it began facing turbulence threatening its existence. During this period, Santa Fe and El Paso railroads proposed the extension of their railroads to White Oaks. Local shrewd businessmen in White Oaks refused in fear of their business being affected negatively by the railroad. At the same time, most mines were exhausted and those that were remaining were faced by frequent fire outbreaks. By the 1900s White Oaks population had dwindled rendering it a ghost town.

What is the current condition of the town?

White Oaks town was listed as a historic district. Most of its buildings have collapsed over time. The few remaining buildings including “The No Scum Salon “are still in good shape. The no scum saloon is always open to visitors who would like their hair done in a 19th-century salon.

Is White Oaks open to the public?

White Oaks historic district which includes the town and other monuments is open for visitors and tourists except for the mines which are closed for safety reasons. You can book a tour of the town anytime.