New Mexico Office of the State Historian : Chloride

Chloride

Harry Pye, a muleskinner for the US Army, is credited for the discovery of silver here in 1879. In 1881, he returned to the site with some friends. The promise turned out true for once, and the tent camp grew to a town of several hundred residents, mostly men who worked in the area's many mines. During the peak years, the town supported a newspaper and at least one brothel, although religious services continued to be held in a resident's parlor through the 1930's. The area fell into decline after the silver panic of 1893, when the country went on the gold standard, causing silver prices to fall about 90%. The mines continued producing until the Great Depression, and the post office closed in 1956. A few people remain in the area, and operate the Pioneer General Store as a museum. Nearly thirty of the original buildings are still standing, including the small cabin thought to be Pye's original residence.