NMOHVA News & Announcements

Last Updated: July 2, 2009

A group of twenty motorized recreationists and railroad history enthusiasts met Taos BLM Ranger Jon Serling on a sunny and windy Sunday in late April. Ranger Serling had approached NMOHVA in a quest for good old-fashioned volunteer labor. The meeting was at the site of a bit of history along Old Buckman Road northwest of Santa Fe. The goal of the diverse group was to erect approximately 350 feet of post and rail fence to help protect the remnants of the 'Chile Line', a historic narrow gauge railroad road bed and trestle. The 'Chili Line' was originally started in 1882 by the Texas, Santa Fe and Northern Railroad but was short lived due to a lack of adequate financial support. In 1895, the company became the Santa Fe and Rio Grande RR before ultimately becoming a part of the Denver and Rio Grande Rail Road. The line ran from Denver to Santa Fe; passing through Antonito, Colorado and then Tres Piedras, Taos Junction, and Embudo in New Mexico.

On September 1, 1941 the 'Chili Line' made its last run between Santa Fe and Denver. By December of that same year, the entire New Mexico portion of the line had the rails removed and recycled in support of the growing war effort.

An interpretive sign with additional history of the Chili Line is being prepared and will be erected at the site. We salute and thank the members of NMOHVA who donated their effort to help protect northern New Mexico's rich history.

New Buck and Rail Fence to Protect Rail Bed

Historic Trestle at Buckman