County Road A38 off US 64, Cimarron vicinity, New Mexico
( 5 miles west off US 64 at end of road (14 miles NE of Cimarron))
Side 1
Dawson was established by the Phelps Dodge Corporation in 1901 to develop the region’s vast coal deposits. In its heyday, it was the largest company mining town in New Mexico, with many modern amenities, and a population of more than 6000. Named after John Dawson, who owned part of the historic Beaubien – Miranda land grant on which it is located, the town was abandoned when the mines closed in 1950.
Side 2
This was the cemetery for the coal mining town of Dawson. Its grave markers reflect the diverse immigrant populations which came to this country seeking a better life, and which fueled America’s industrial development. Hundreds of identical crosses, which mark the graves of miners killed in mine accidents in 1913 and 1923, demonstrate the great sacrifices of these pioneers.