Prior to around 1889, few people were living in the area of Carrizozo, just a few cattle ranches, businessmen and miners and there was a stagecoach road from White Oaks, to the Northeast, which was experiencing a boom fueled by gold mining. The The El Paso and Northeastern railroad then made the town one of its terminals bringing new employment to the town attracting the residents of White Oaks who soon moved their homes and businesses to the new town. Business flourished with the addition of railroad workers and the opening of homesteads in the surrounding area. One of those who moved from White Oaks was Dr. Paden, hired by the railroad as their physician and surgeon, who opened a drugstore and a hospital on the second floor of the building. The name Carrizo is from the Spanish for reed grass, which is excellent food for ranch cattle. The town is know for its cherry cider. Radiation from a nuclear bomb detonated nearby in 1945 has faded. There is an airport here and the museum is a former frozen food locker. US 54 and US 380 will bring you here.

C.O. Minger