Nestled in the heart of Raton is a deep rich history of the wild west along the historic Santa Fe Trail.
Take a stroll downtown to visit the Shuler Theater and surrounding Victorian architecture. Our history is wrapped up in the WPA murals throughout town and in the local art at the Old Pass Gallery.
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Raton is the perfect nostalgic getaway.
The Shuler Theater
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The historic Shuler Theater opened for its first performance in 1915 in downtown and is a state landmark and remains the center for performing arts in northeastern New Mexico.
The theater is owned and maintained by the City and may be reserved for functions or performances.
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El Raton Theatre
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The El Raton Theatre was built in 1929 as an Atmospheric style theatre, in the style of a medieval Spanish castle. In August 2006, the theatre was listed on the New Mexico State Register of Cultural Properties. On January 17, 2007, the theatre was listed on the National Register of Historic Properties.
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Old Pass Gallery
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The Raton Arts & Humanities Council owns and operates the Old Pass Gallery and Gift Shop located in the former Wells Fargo building (circa 1910) that features well over 200 local and regional artists throughout the year.
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What's New?
Raton Museum
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The Raton Museum has been home to many locations across the city but is now located on Second Street. Visitors can view the very beginnings of our coal mining history all the way to our Rock n' Roll history. We can't forget about the old television sets which pay tribute to the fact that we were the second city in the United States to first have cable television!
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WPA Murals
& Architecture
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During the 1930s, the Works Progress Administration was created to help provide economic relief to the citizens suffering through the Great Depression. Raton is home to several WPA Murals in the Shuler Theater, Arthur Johnson Library, and the post office.
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We recommend you pick up a walking tour guide at the Raton Museum for a curated guide to view the murals and gaze at our Victorian architecture in the historic downtown district.
Santa Fe Trail
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Raton is along the historic Santa Fe Trail, which was a 19th century route connecting Franklin, Missouri to Santa Fe, New Mexico.
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Visitors are able to see the original wagon ruts and landmarks at the NRA Whittington Center that over a century old in various areas.