Black Rock Canyon

It was manganese and not the more glamorous precious metals like gold or silver that drove the mining boom at Black Rock Canyon. Manganese an industrial metal alloy used primarily in the production of stainless steel was discovered here in 1918.   By 1919 several mines were in full production as adits, shafts,open stopes and pits dotted the district, a mill opened at Black Rock Canyon in 1923 followed by a concentrator mill at the West Mine in 1926.  Mines proved productive not just at Black Rock but also at nearby Coyote Arroyo and further north at the Killion/West Mine, production would continue through the decades before fizzling out in the late 1950's. East of the Manganese Valley Mine's imposing black hopper, there is evidence of a camp, but it seems like most of the miners lived elsewhere, as no dwellings were constructed and no community took root.  Judging by the size and scope of the mine works there must have been hundreds of men working here at one time. Who worked these mines? mostly locals it seems, as manganese mining doesn't inspire many men to stampede westward to seek their fortune. Just ordinary men striving to eke out a living by breaking,drilling & hauling rocks. I've found two mentions online pertaining to the Manganese Valley Mines, according to the records of Mahoney Mortuary, Benito Garcia, age 49 died on Feb. 6th 1930 at "the manganese mines",  a mining accident ,  and if the records are to be believed Isabela Resa age 98 died at Black Rock Canyon on March 12th l930, so it seems some miners had their families with them. Like all abandoned mining sites, Black Rock Canyon  lies dormant, shrouded in eerie silence,  the sounds of voices and motor vehicles  feel  so out of place,  when once they were so common, but as these now foreign sounds subside,  a calm solitude chases diminishing ripples of noise  towards the  canyon walls, once more Black Rock Canyon returns to it's original state. 

There is an upper level at Black Rock Canyon, to get to it you have to negotiate a slope of loose tailing or fight your way through the tangle of brush and rocks in the wash to the right of the mine opening.  On the upper level there's the remnants of a road that now serves as a trail leading to the spring (pond) and the mines, as you approach, on the right hand side is a huge open stope that slices into the slope, it runs from the road at the top almost to the draw leading from the spring.  It plunges to a depth of 80-100 feet, with a tunnel that runs north at the bottom, at the top you can see timbers framing the opening to another tunnel.  On the left side, almost hidden by brush is a tunnel that leads into another open stope.  This tunnel was used for ore cars, it's partially filled, forcing you to either duck-walk or crawl into the opening, the twisted tracks are visible on the other side.  Timber bracing frames the dark void beyond, it is impressive, stepping down at least three more levels into the darkness.

I found a map of the New Mexico Territory from 1883 that shows this spring as Black Rock Tank.  It was a vital source of water both to travelers and roaming bands of Apache. The 9th US Cavalry (Buffalo Soldiers) stationed at Fort Selden and Fort Bayard, operated in this area.  On Jan. 24th 1877 Company C of the 9th US Cavalry, operating from Fort Bayard, engaged in battle with a band of Apaches in the Florida Mountains an action that resulted in Cpl. Clinton Greaves of the 9th being awarded the Medal of Honor. The exact place where this engagement took place has never been pin-pointed. Lobo Draw and Victorio Draw in the Florida Mountains to the south are mentioned as possible sites. My feelings are that it took place at Black Rock Tank, we may never know. The citation reads as follows: "While part of a small detachment to persuade a band of renegade Apache Indians to surrender, his group was surrounded, Cpl. Greaves in the center of the savage hand to hand fighting, managed to shoot and bash a gap through the swarming Apaches, permitting his companions to break free."

Located over the ridge from Rockhound State Park, Black Rock Canyon is part of the  Little Florida Mining District.  The Little Florida Mountains are north of the mother  range, separated by Florida Gap.  You can get there by going east on State Highway 549  (Old Las Cruces Highway)  to Lewis Flats Rd., turn south, pavement ends at the old Lewis Flats School (Adobe Deli) continue south until road ends, turn west at the cattle guard, follow the trail into the mountains.  There is another route you can take that goes past Little Florida Gap and skirts the foothills , but that's a rough road, take Lewis Flats Rd. to avoid the bump and grind.

Worth The Trip?:  Yes
Roads: Good (from Lewis Flats Rd.) Rough (from Highway 549)
Public or Private?: Public
Mine Danger:  High (use caution)
Snake Danger: Extreme