National Register Listing

Rabbit Ears

a.k.a. Clayton Complex

NW of Clayton, Clayton, NM
No landmark on the Cimarron Cutoff of the Santa Fe Trail was more important than the Rabbit Ears, the conspicuous, double-peaked mountain which for four days of the journey guided the wagon trains from the Upper Spring of the Cimarron across the Oklahoma panhandle to the series of campsites that promised constant water and fine meadows. These camps and landmarks are conveniently grouped as the Clayton Complex and they still exist in a well-preserved condition just to the east, north, and west of the present town of Clayton, New Mexico.
History
To the travelers on the Cimarron Cutoff, Rabbit Ears was the sole guiding landmark across more than thirty miles of trail, slashed by ravines and broken by abrupt ridges. As they labored across the arid plains, where springs were about a day's journey apart, they knew that the Rabbit Ears promised campsites with plentiful water, wood, and grass. Frequently at the Rabbit Ears Creek Camp, the trains would lay over for a day to refresh the animals after the long water scrape and poor forage during the march from Middle Crossing. It was also customary upon reaching the Rabbit Ears area to send runners ahead to Santa Fe to scout the market and make arrangements with Mexican customs officials. Seldom did a train pass through this country without at least one Indian alarm, and although the traders and Indians generally met and parted peaceably, at McNees Crossing occurred one of the first fatal incidents between the two races, on the Trail. In the fall of 1828 two young traders, McNees and Monroe, who had gone in advance of a returning caravan, were shot here by Indians, almost in sight of the lagging caravan. After burying McNees, the traders carried the expiring Monroe to Cimarron, where he finally died. As the burial service for McNees ended, six or seven Indians, probably not of the hostile party, appeared on the opposite bank and the revengeful traders shot down all but one of them. This incident sparked the retributory outrages on the Trail that led to military escorts in 1829. On July 4, 1831, a memorable Independence Day celebration, recorded by Josiah Gregg, was held at McNees Crossing—the first documented Fourth of July observance on the plains.
Bibliography
Josiah Gregg, Commerce of the Prairies (Norman, Okla., 1954).

Kate Gregg, ed., The Road to Santa Fe (Albuquerque, 1952).

Kate Gregg, Field Notes of Government Surveyor Joseph C. Brown, reprinted in Kansas State Historical Society (n.p.,n.d.).
Local significance of the district:
Commerce; Transportation

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1966.

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
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 concise overview of the key events in 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.