Ponil, Colfax County, New Mexico Genealogy

Location:                         From Cimarron take US 64 east 5 miles before turning left (north) onto Cerrososo Road an all weather gravel road marked with a small sign for the Valle Vidal Unit of Carson National Forest. Continue on this road for 21 miles passing through Vermejo Park Corporation land before reaching the boundary of the ValleVidal. At this point, the road becomes FR 1950. Follow FR 1950 doe N dditional 8 miles until you reach McCrystal Campground on your right (north).

From Taos, take NM 522 north for 40 miles. Turn right (east) onto NM 196 at Costilla. The road is paved through Amalia, then turns into an all weather gravel road. About 17 miles from NM 522, the road crosses the Carson National Forest boundary and becomes FR 1950. Aproximately 4 miles farther, FR 1950 turns right (south) while DR 1900 continues straight, following Upper Costilla Creek. Stay on FR 1950 for 19 miles until reaching McCrrystal Campground on your left (north).

Ponil Park is approx. 1/2 mile north of the trail that heads west to Sesally Canyon Camp.The cemetery is located on the east side, in a slight draw that heads towards the east. There are only a few ruins left of the old town, but there are several embankments and some wooden bridge trusses that would seem to indicate where they loaded logs on rail cars.

GPS:                              Latitude: N; Longitude: - W.

Elevation:

Map:                              Interactive Maps: Ponil Base Camp; Ponil Mine: Ponil Creek;

North PonilCreek, Topo map; Middle PonilCreek; South PonilCreek;

Photos:                         Photo 2010; Ponil Park today; Scout hike photos; Gravestones;

Middle Ponil Creek; Ruins of Ponil Park;

Post Office:                    Established

Cemetery:

Census Data:

Details:

Ponil Park was founded as a center for logging and sawmill operations. Founded in 1850 or thereabouts. It died out about 1900 along with Ring, Labelle, Bonito, Dawson, Anchor, Midnite, &amp; Hopewell. All the lumber and logs from these areas finally made its way to Cimmaron NM. People who were born in some of these little logging and railroad towns still return for family reunions and to relive the past.

Abandoned logging and sawmill town in Northern New Mexico. Abandoned at the turn of the century, 1900 or thereabouts. A few of the old cabins are now being restored by the owners of Philmont Boy Scout ranch, along with the U S Forest Service. Jon Young, an archaeologist for the Carson National Forest, can give you all the latest information on the restoration project, which includes several towns in the immediate area. In Ponil Park there are seven cabins that are being restored. State archeologist, Eric Peterson says the agency will ensure that renovations are historically accurate.Seven log buildings and cabins are standing sans roofs. These are going to be saved.

Founded as a center for logging and sawmill operations. Founded in 1850 or thereabouts. It died out about 900 along with Ring, Labelle, Bonito, Dawson, Anchor, Midnite, &amp; Hopewell. All the lumber and logs from these areas finally made its way to Cimarron NM. People who were born in some of these little logging and railroad towns still return for family reunions and to relive the past.

The railroad traveled over 20 miles from Cimarron, going up into the mountains to harrvest lumber for railroad ties and mine supports. In 1907, surveys had been completed to extend the railway to Van Bremmer Park. In 1921, the railroad track was torn up and Ponil Park was abandoned.

Family history links:


 * Ysidoro Bustamante, photo.
 * Dorothy England, Pratt Institute 1902-1903 Junior Class.
 * Sarah Fisher, daughter of Tomas Fisher and Demacia Ribera, photo album and family tree. photo 2. genealogy inquiry.
 * John M Gallagher, county birth record.
 * George Robert Jackson, photo grave and biography.
 * Trinidad Lopez, daughter of Rafael Lopez and Josefa Duran, family tree.
 * Joseph J Martinez, son of Alfred Martinez and Clarita Suazo, obituary Colorado Springs Gazette 2001.
 * Nestora "Nellie" Martinez, daughter of Estanislado and Carolina (Bustamante) Gonzalez, obituary,  Longmont, Colorado.
 * Fanny McCrystal, county birth record.
 * Henry Parker's grave, photo.
 * Eugene Thomas Phelan married Delphia Olive Youst, family tree.
 * Martina Ribera, daughter of Jose Dolores Ribera Martinez and Maria Ramona Vigil, family tree.
 * Antonia Mary Sanchez, daughter of Donaciano Sanchez and Fidelia Mitatos, child's (Louie Espinoza), grave inscription, Read Cemetery, Delta County, Colorado.
 * Onofer Sanchez, son of Donaciano Sanchez and Fidelia Mitotes, obituary and photo, Mesa View Cemetery, Delta County, Colorado. Grave photo and biography.

Sources:


 * Venturing on Philmont's Valle Vidal.
 * The Railway Age, 1907. Volume 43, page 331, 717. Google Books.
 * New Mexico shortcut ..present residents or shelters of ancestors..Richard Benke, Associated Press