Historical Marker

Ada McPherson Morley (1852–1917) and Agnes Morley Cleaveland, (1874–1958)


Side 1
Ada McPherson Morley ran a ranch outside of Datil, New Mexico where she raised three children, including Agnes Morley Cleaveland. A crusader for women’s rights, she opposed the infamous Santa Fe Ring, worked for women’s suffrage for over thirty years, and formed societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals as well as the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.
Side 2
A native New Mexican, Agnes Morley Cleaveland grew up on her family’s ranch near Datil, New Mexico. Her prize-winning book, No Life for A Lady (1941), is an autobiographical story of a woman’s life on a turn-of-the-century ranch. She was educated and lived in other parts of the country, but always returned home to Datil where she spent the last years of her life

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.

During World War II, New Mexico was the site of several top-secret military installations, including the Los Alamos National Laboratory, where the atomic bomb was developed. The laboratory is still one of the largest employers in the state and conducts research in fields such as nuclear energy and national security.
New Mexico random facts
Catron County, located in the southwestern region of New Mexico, has a rich history dating back thousands of years. It is the largest county in the state and has been home to various indigenous groups, including the Apache and Navajo tribes. Before European settlement, these Native American communities utilized the land for hunting, gathering, and trading.

In the 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived in the region, bringing with them horses and establishing the area as part of New Spain. The Spanish influence remained strong for several centuries, with missions and settlements established throughout the area. However, it wasn't until the mid-19th century that non-indigenous settlers began to arrive in significant numbers.

By the 1860s, the discovery of gold and other precious minerals in nearby areas drew prospectors to Catron County. This led to the establishment of mining camps and towns, which experienced rapid growth. However, as the mining boom began to fade, the economy shifted towards ranching and agriculture. The development of railroads in the late 19th century further stimulated trade and transportation in the area.

Throughout its history, Catron County has remained closely tied to its traditional ranching and agricultural roots. Today, it is known for its rugged natural beauty, with expansive forests, mountains, and pristine wilderness areas. Catron County attracts tourists and outdoor enthusiasts seeking activities such as hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping. It continues to honor its Native American heritage and maintains a strong sense of community, with a population that cherishes its deep historical and cultural roots.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Catron County, New Mexico.

  • 1870: Proposed to become a county in New Mexico Territory
  • 1880: Catron County officially established and named after Thomas B. Catron
  • 1892: Reserve becomes the county seat
  • 1920s: Economic decline due to depletion of natural resources
  • 1940s: Uranium mining increases in the county
  • 1950s-1960s: Establishment of the Gila Wilderness and creation of the Apache-Sitgreaves and Cibola National Forests
  • 1999: The Gila National Forest's Catron County territory affected by the largest wildfire in New Mexico history, the "Mud Fire"
  • 2000s: Various conservation and land management efforts in the county
  • 2010s: Ongoing rural population decline and economic challenges