Lost New Mexico

An old undertaker’s book of deaths from the 1880s reveals many incredible, hard to believe secrets hidden in New Mexico from over a century ago. 

A mysterious ticket from the 1920s discovered in my grandmother's scrapbook takes us on a trip to some lost New Mexico (and Texas) stories involving a first for New Mexico, a kidnapping and a murder.

The circus inspired Randolph family of performers put on some astounding spectacles that often caused quite stir in the late 1800s well into the 1930s and New Mexico played a significant role. In this Lost New Mexico episode, turn back the clock to 1909 and take a hypnotic and somewhat sensational adventure with the Randolphs as they take their show on the road.

Satan Blows a Hot Trombone is what John S. Thorp titled his story about this 1946 Tucumcari Route 66 hitchhiker homicide in "Real Detective", a popular true crime pulp magazine.  My grandfather, J. V. Gallegos, wrote his own notes on the case including how he, along with the D. A., and the Sheriff, tracked down the murderer.  For more, LostNewMexico.com

Take a journey of discovering Lost New Mexico, an ongoing collection of almost lost stories from the state of New Mexico’s history. Stories include a mix of old family stories, local lore, almost famous folks, and more. Listen to wild adventures of the old west, mysterious murders and just about everything in-between and meet some notable as well as a few notorious, New Mexicans along the way.  Also see LostNewMexico.com for additional resources and transcripts. Uncover the less known, but not less fascinating, New Mexico history.