Historical Marker

Sally Rooke, Heroine of the Dry Cimarron Flood (1843–1908)

Historical marker location:
junction of NM Highway 325 and NM Highway 456, Capulin, New Mexico
( west side of Folsom Museum Capulin)

On the night of August 27, 1908, while working as a telephone operator, Sally received a call that a wall of water was rushing down the Dry Cimarron River towards Folsom. She perished that stormy night at her switchboard warning of the danger, saving countless lives. Telephone operators across the country contributed 4,334 dimes to honor their colleague with a memorial

The Historic Women Marker Initiative of 2007 captured the public’s imagination. It has received international attention for its ambitious goal of telling women’s history in New Mexico on some of the state’s 650 Official Scenic Historic Markers. Before 2007, perhaps three markers mentioned women at all.

The lives of the only known female Buffalo solider, one of the world’s most famous artists, and unsung heroes like Sally Rooke who gave her life at her switchboard warning Folsom’s citizens of a wall of water approaching their town are honored on 75 women’s history markers.

The first phase of the Initiative concluded in 2010. Ten more markers were installed in 2015 and an additional 25 are expected to bring their numbers to an even 100 in the coming years. The program is a partnership of the New Mexico Women’s Forum, HPD, CPRC, New Mexico Department of Transportation, and the public. The 2006 legislature made the initial 65 historic markers possible.

Like all state historic markers, the women’s history markers are designed in the Park Service Rustic style adopted when the program began in 1935. What’s different is their perspective of New Mexico history.

New Mexico was the birthplace of several famous figures in American history, including the outlaw Billy the Kid, the physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, and the astronaut Harrison Schmitt, who was one of the last men to walk on the moon.
New Mexico random facts
Union County, located in northeastern New Mexico, has a rich history that spans over centuries. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Ute, Comanche, and Apache. Their presence can still be seen in the numerous archaeological sites found in the county.

The history of Union County is entwined with the expansion of European settlers into the area. In the mid-1800s, the Santa Fe Trail passed through this region, leading to an increase in trading, and eventually the establishment of small communities. However, it was not until 1893 when Union County was officially formed, named after the ideal of unity between settlers and indigenous populations.

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw significant growth in Union County, largely driven by the discovery of coal and the construction of the AT&SF Railroad. The coal industry boomed, attracting miners and their families to towns like Dawson and Folsom. However, the coal mines eventually declined, leading to a significant population decrease and economic challenges.

In recent decades, Union County has focused on diversifying its economy. Tourism has become an increasingly important industry, thanks to the area's natural beauty and attractions such as the Capulin Volcano National Monument and Mills Canyon. Agriculture, particularly cattle ranching, also plays a crucial role in the county's economy. Today, Union County continues to preserve its history while looking towards the future with a growing focus on sustainable development and community revitalization.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Union County, New Mexico.

  • 1869: Union County is established as a county in the Territory of New Mexico.
  • 1876: The Santa Fe Trail, a major trade route, passes through Union County.
  • 1885: The railroad reaches the town of Folsom, contributing to its growth.
  • 1908: Folsom Man, ancient human remains, are discovered near Folsom, providing significant archaeological findings.
  • 1912: New Mexico becomes a state, and Union County is part of the Union.
  • 1920s: Rapid growth in mining and agriculture sectors boosts the county's economy.
  • 1948: The town of Clayton is officially incorporated, becoming the county seat.
  • 1950s: The discovery of natural gas leads to increased drilling and economic development.
  • 1997: Vermejo Park Ranch, a large conservation area, is established in Union County.
  • 2006: The Philmont Scout Ranch, a popular destination for Boy Scouts, celebrates its 75th anniversary.