Madrid, New Mexico |
Settled: 1869
Status: Active Town
Current Population: 300
Peak Population: ~2,500
Elevation: 6,020 feet
Primary Mineral: Coal
Madrid was founded in 1869 near the site of sporadic gold prospects. It wasn't until the 1890's, when the rich coal beds in the area began to be mined on a large scale, that Madrid became a company coal town and a regional mining center with several thousand inhabitants. Today Madrid is a popular artists colony and tourist destination.