The (Big) Morley Mine

On the Raton Pass

Out exploring today. Actually looking for the Old Raton Pass Road. Richens Lacey (Uncle Dick) Wootton’s toll road. It amazes me that such a historical figure is barely mentioned. What amazes me more is that such a huge mine like the Morley Mine also is barely mentioned. There is nothing in the area of Raton Pass to entice a person to stop and learn more.

We per chance noticed a church steeple and decided to investigate. All roads were gated. Paddle locked. Blocking exploration.

With curiosity yanking on our brain we stopped close to were we first saw it. Along US highway 25. A huge pull off. Why there was no information plaque is beyond me. While my husband took pictures I tried to do internet research. No service. Curiosity had to wait.

So, I marked the spot on BaseMap. That way I could search in more detail once internet was available.

Turns out it was one of the largest coal mines. Over 11,000,000 tons of coal taken from the mine between 1878-1956. But not any information available nearby to make you stop and learn. A very interesting find.