Shakespeare

Historical marker location:

I-10, Shakespeare, New Mexico

( near Indian Road 13)

Located at the north end of the Pyramid Mountains, near the old stage stop at Mexican Springs, Shakespeare was first known as Pyramid Station. Later named Ralston, a diamond swindle caused its collapse in 1874. The town was revived as Shakespeare in 1879, named for the Shakespeare silver mining company, but the economic depression of 1893 closed the mines and made it a ghost town.

New Mexico has a rich artistic heritage, with many famous artists and writers making their home in the state. These include Georgia O'Keeffe, who lived and painted in the town of Abiquiú, and D.H. Lawrence, who wrote his classic novel "Lady Chatterley's Lover" while living in Taos.