Magdalena, NM

Magdalena is a village in Socorro County. "The Lady on the Mountain" is a rock formation on Magdalena Peak overlooking Magdalena. Spanish soldiers saw the face of a woman on the west face of the peak. A priest with them was reminded of a similar peak in Spain called "La Sierra de Maria Magdalena", so he called the New Mexico one "La Sierra de Magdalena". The pass to the south of the peak became known as Magdalena Gap, and when a town grew up it received the same name.

Magdalena has recently been trying to transform itself into an art center and cultural destination. The opening of several art galleries and the Magdalena Hall Hotel and the renovation of the Bank West building have made their mark on this high-desert village. Several rock and mineral shops have been around since the mining boom days. The ghost town of Kelly and two festivals, the Lady Magdalen Art Walk and the Old...

Magdalena is a village in Socorro County. "The Lady on the Mountain" is a rock formation on Magdalena Peak overlooking Magdalena. Spanish soldiers saw the face of a woman on the west face of the peak. A priest with them was reminded of a similar peak in Spain called "La Sierra de Maria Magdalena", so he called the New Mexico one "La Sierra de Magdalena". The pass to the south of the peak became known as Magdalena Gap, and when a town grew up it received the same name.

Magdalena has recently been trying to transform itself into an art center and cultural destination. The opening of several art galleries and the Magdalena Hall Hotel and the renovation of the Bank West building have made their mark on this high-desert village. Several rock and mineral shops have been around since the mining boom days. The ghost town of Kelly and two festivals, the Lady Magdalen Art Walk and the Old Timers Reunion and Rodeo, bring tourists to the area.

Newly paved roads, additions to the middle/high school, a public water system, trash disposal service, and the opening of a new mini-mart and gas station have improved the quality of life for its citizens.

The Very Large Array lies 20 miles west of the community. Magdalena also has a local newspaper, the Mountain Mail, which is the only locally owned newspaper in Socorro County.