Event planners seek RSVP for May 25 event commemorating historic milestone

SILVER CITY, NM, March 15, 2024 – On Saturday, May 25, 2024, residents of the Town of Mogollon will host an event at the historic Mogollon Cemetery to celebrate 100 years since the Gila Wilderness was established. Located in the historic mining/ghost town of Mogollon, in Catron County, New Mexico, the cemetery is an ideal site in which to commemorate this historic milestone.

“The Mogollon Cemetery memorializes the miners, their families, and other residents of the Town of Mogollon before and after the turn of the 20th century. It contains histories told and untold, with one family plot notably illustrating the devastating effects of the Spanish flu epidemic of 1918 to 1920,” said Gila National Forest Supervisor Camille Howes. “Due to its small size, limited parking, and the sensitive nature of the cemetery, we would like to gauge interest ahead of time from members of the public who would like to participate in this event.”

Participants will meet at 10:00 a.m. at the Mogollon Cemetery Archives, 891 Bursum Road (NM Highway 159) in Mogollon. Together, the group will carpool and caravan up Fannie Road (a 10-minute drive in four-wheel drive vehicles) to Mogollon Cemetery. Once reconvened, organizers will share a map and guide to the cemetery, as well as speak briefly about the area, the Gila Wilderness centennial anniversary, and the importance of historic preservation.

Afterward, participants can hike or carpool back down the road to the Town of Mogollon, where the Purple Onion Café, the museum, the cemetery archives, and the Old Kelly Store will be open for visitors. Please help us plan ahead and prepare by showing your interest – contact event coordinator Cordelia Rose by phone or text at 575-313-1002.

For more information contact Maribeth Pecotte at 575-388-8211 or Maribeth.Pecotte@usda.gov .