National Register Listing

Wofford Lookout Complex

Lincoln National Forest, Cloudcroft, NM
Local significance of the structure:
Conservation; Politics/government; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1988.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

New Mexico was one of the last territories to become a state, gaining statehood in 1912. Before that, it had been part of the Spanish Empire, Mexico, and the United States Territory of New Mexico.
New Mexico random facts
Otero County, located in the southern part of New Mexico, has a rich and diverse history that dates back thousands of years. Prior to the arrival of European settlers, the area was home to Native American tribes, including the Mescalero Apache, Comanche, and Plains Apache. They relied on hunting, gathering, and trading in the region's abundant natural resources.

During the 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived in Otero County, searching for gold and establishing missions. They encountered resistance from the native tribes, leading to conflicts and ultimately the colonization of the region. The Spanish influence can still be seen in the local culture and architecture today.

In the 19th century, Otero County played a significant role in the westward expansion of the United States. The county became an important stop along the historic Santa Fe Trail, which facilitated trade between the United States and Mexico. The military also established a presence in the area to protect settlers from Native American attacks.

The late 1800s brought the development of the railroad, which further contributed to the growth and economic prosperity of Otero County. Ranching and agriculture became major industries, as the region's fertile soil and favorable climate allowed for the cultivation of crops and the raising of livestock. The town of Alamogordo, now the county seat, was founded during this time and quickly thrived as a central hub for commerce.

Today, Otero County remains an important part of New Mexico's history and economy. Its rich cultural heritage, outdoor recreational opportunities, and proximity to natural wonders such as White Sands National Park continue to attract visitors and residents alike.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Otero County, New Mexico.

  • 1848 - The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo is signed, establishing the border between Mexico and the United States and making the area a part of the New Mexico Territory.
  • 1873 - Otero County is officially established, named after Miguel Antonio Otero, a prominent local politician and businessman.
  • 1881 - The first railroad, the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe, is completed through Otero County, boosting economic development in the region.
  • 1899 - The city of Alamogordo is founded in Otero County as a railway town, serving as a hub for the timber and mining industries.
  • 1942 - The first atomic bomb is detonated at the Trinity Site, located within Otero County, as part of the Manhattan Project.
  • 1982 - White Sands National Monument, known for its iconic white gypsum sand dunes, is designated as a national park, attracting tourists from around the world.
  • 2000 - The population of Otero County reaches over 62,000, marking a significant increase from its early days.