In the small town of Shakespeare, New Mexico, a lovely woman dressed in white walks down the street. She glides along the old, winding rail line, now mostly forgotten. Once a lively mining town, Shakespeare is now just a cluster of adobe buildings, including a hotel where Billy the Kid worked as a dishwasher.
Key Points
Like many mining towns, Shakespeare thrived for a time before fading into obscurity as the mines closed. Over the years, the railroads took away the few residents who remained. Today, it is said that at least a dozen ghosts still linger in this ghost town.
The Legend of the Lady in White
In 1969, writer Ted Raynor shared the tale of a famous ghost known as the “lady in white.” Longtime residents recounted stories passed down from their ancestors. The legend tells of a woman who came to Shakespeare in the 1880s searching for her fiancé, a notorious gambler.
When she learned he had gone to Mexico, she decided to wait for him. Tragically, she later received news of his death. Heartbroken, she left her room one day, leaving behind only her wedding dress. After that day, no one ever saw her alive again. However, her ghost became a familiar sight in the town.
Witnesses often saw her in white, but sometimes she appeared in black. This led some to wonder if she mourned for her lost love and the wedding dress she never wore.
Other Ghostly Residents
Shakespeare is said to be home to many other spirits. Among them are the ghosts of three African American miners who were murdered and robbed. Their bodies were dumped in a place now known as Arroyo de los Negros.
There’s also the ghost of a gambler who ignored warnings and carried his winnings into the night, only to meet a tragic fate. Another spirit is believed to haunt the Grant House, where diners once enjoyed meals. His shadow can still be seen, as if he’s savoring a meal long after the last dish was served.
Some other ghostly sightings include a spectral dog that could scare even the bravest police dog. There’s also a strange ghost thought to be made of sulfur fumes, crawling up from the basement of the old general store. Lastly, a gentle spirit is said to guard the hillside cemetery where many have been laid to rest over the years.
Conclusion
The haunting beauty of Shakespeare, New Mexico, is a blend of history and mystery. The stories of the lady in white and other spirits remind us of the lives once lived in this now-silent town. Whether you believe in ghosts or not, the tales of Shakespeare offer a glimpse into the past, under the vast desert skies.
