About Silver City

The Town of Silver City sits atop a site that has been home to Native American, Hispanic and Anglo settlers for hundreds of years, and these vibrant cultures fill an important part of the Town’s exciting present day.

The Town of Silver City was formed in the 1870s, after the discovery of silver in and around the Town. Silver City quickly became a boom town, and our Wild West past includes the first arrest and (brief) incarceration of William Bonney, better know as Billy the Kid. Although Bonney moved on, the Kid’s family lived in the area for many years, and his mother is buried in the Town’s Memory Lane Cemetery.

Silver City Today

Today, Silver City is a bustling town with a diverse business community, a four-year university and an award-winning historic downtown. We hope you’ll come visit!

A view of Silver City in the 1880s

A view of Silver City in the 1880s, featuring the small chapel, "La Capilla," built on Town’s the southern hillside. Photo courtesy Silver City Museum. 

A view of Silver City today

A similar view today. Photo courtesy Bob Pelham.