A heart sliced in two, separating the vibrant circulation of life, causing death, perhaps is a description best suiting the ghost town of Cuervo, New Mexico. In the late 1960’s, when Interstate 40 dissected this Route 66 destination, the heart of Cuervo was severed straight down the middle of town, clearing away businesses and homes to build the widely anticipated Interstate system. Sadly, as Interstate 40 became a vibrant connection for the transportation of goods to improve America, it also became the catalyst in decaying the small New Mexico town, once a stopping place on the old Route 66.  

Today, Cuervo, New Mexico stands decaying with sandstone and adobe structures, evidence of what was and what will probably never be again. Whispers blow in the gentle wind of voices of yesteryear that are gone and perhaps forever forgotten. Eerily, the buildings stand destitute, empty and abandoned. Yet, some claim haunting apparitions roam freely in Cuervo, New Mexico.

Maybe, the haunting apparitions of native peoples of 10,000 years ago, struggling to maintain life by using handmade carving tools, weaving baskets from native grasses, hunting in the rugged and harsh hills of sandstone and juniper trees are to be heard in the whispering of the wind. Maybe a faint silhouette of a native youngster clinging to his mother for security fades in the shadows. 

Or, if one stands on the outskirts of Cuervo, looking toward the southern hills, perhaps there is a haunting apparition of the Coronado Expedition plodding along in the mid-1500’s on horseback, searching the desolate land for gold and treasures on their Spanish Conquest. Do you hear the muttering of weary Spanish travelers -- of despair and defeat? The hooves of their horses beating on the sandstone surface in foreboding rhythm? 

Yet, perhaps it is the rowdy apparitions of the railroad workers, hammering the train tracks through the rocky, western terrain permeating shouts of sweat and success as the Chicago, Rock Island and Gulf Railroad lay new track to connect Texas with Arizona around the turn of the 1900’s, one sees. If one listens closely, a clank, clank, clank will shake the wind -- for this wondrous time of progress -- as the train passes through time.

The railroad station was completed in 1902 and the Cuervo Post Office opened. Ranching became popular. Around 1926, Route 66 routed travelers by the small community and growth spurred with the building of two churches, a school, gas stations and stores. 

If one stands near the small, sandstone Catholic church, spirits of yesteryear take over the imagination. Do you see the inhabitants walking up to worship in the attire of the 1920’s and 30’s? Do you look around and see the old automobiles, like Buicks and Ford trucks stopping at the antiquated gas pumps? Do you hear the murmurings of yesteryear before Cuervo was abandoned? Do you see black crows?

What? Black crows? Yes! Cuervo is the Spanish name meaning a dark bird or crow. It is believed the town was either named after Cuervo Hill or Cuervo Peak, both located to the northwest of the town. Sadly, today even the crows seem to have abandoned the site. Perhaps, they too are apprehensive of the apparitions of the past.

The experience of walking the barren streets is very chilling. What happened? When did Cuervo die? Sadly, the railroad quit making stops in Cuervo in 1910. After the late 1960’s and the advent of Interstate 40, most travelers stopped east of Cuervo in Tucumcari, NM or west of Cuervo in Santa Rosa for the comfort of motels and eating establishments. The school shut down. The post office stopped operation in September of 2011, although Cuervo currently maintains its own zip code.

To visit Cuervo leaves one with questions unanswered. Is it okay to roam in the abandoned buildings? CAUTION is definitely advised. Unfortunately, the New Mexico State Police have had investigations concerning vandalism and criminal activity. CAUTION! CAUTION! CAUTION! Also remember, Cuervo does have a few inhabitants who live there. Respect of “No Trespassing” signs should be regarded at all times as should respect for the relics left by those inhabitants of an era long gone.

The “DEAD END” sign is heart chilling, standing yet strong amidst the rubble of a decaying site. Apparitions of the imagination or of humankind should not be disregarded. Be safe and be vigilant for your own wellbeing. (Even the crows are GONE!)

Happy Halloween from our house to yours! And may the ghostly apparitions you experience be the tiny ones who want candy in their Halloween buckets! Stay safe, happy travels and may the candy you eat at Halloween not give you cavities in your teeth!