An adobe ruin at the ghost town of White Oaks. 

The graveyard at White Oaks.  I learned about White Oaks from an old book I found at the Albuquerque Library; it was a small book and was easily read in one night--but it was extremely interesting and enjoyable.  After reading the history of White Oaks, I wanted to go there and see it for myself.

I must admit that when I first saw White Oaks for myself, I was a bit disappointed.  It wasn't nothing like I envisioned.  Buildings were spread-out and far apart; the reality of what remains of White Oaks matched nothing with what the imagination conjurs upon hearing the words "ghost town".

The town at its peak in 1890 had a population of about 2,000.  Two years later, the town had dwindled to only 500!

The historical marker sign for White Oaks.  Gold and coal were found in the Jicarilla Mountains and White Oaks sprang into existence; this was a "resort" for Billy the Kid--with several saloons, general stores, and a fair number of brothels with many prostitutes. 

The sign along Hwy 54 announcing the existence of White Oaks only 9-miles distant.

This isn't at all what I imagined White Oaks to look like.

Just a mile or so from Carrizozo after leaving White Oaks; Lincoln is to the left--and so is the "birthplace" of the Smokey Bear icon.