"Visit Our Ancestors" Cemetery Tour - Slumbering Mountain Cemetery November 8, 2008

“Visit Our Ancestors” series of cemetery tours organized by Branigan Cultural Center will meet at the Slumbering Mountain Cemetery in Organ, NM at 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 8, 2008. This is the final tour in the 2008 series. Slumbering Mountain Cemetery is on the north side of the community and at the east end of town. From Las Cruces take Highway 70 east towards White Sands. Turn left (north) on First Street, then right (east) on Furnace Street and left (north) on Heavenly Lane, a dirt road.

The cemetery is on a hillside that has returned to natural vegetation of mesquites, cactus, and brush. There are no established walking paths. The tombstones and markers, some new, many faded and worn, are scattered across almost three acres. Sturdy walking shoes are encouraged. It is also recommended that participants be prepared for two hours of outdoor activity. Use plenty of sunscreen, wear long sleeve shirts, and hats. The tour will wander through the cemetery, over uneven terrain and visitors should be aware of possible trip hazards. Bottled water will be available. The program is free and open to the public. No registration is required.

Organ townsite was surveyed in 1885 into 470 lots with 5 acres set aside as a cemetery. At its peak, the little mining town had a population of 1800. Many of those buried in the cemetery had links to the mines scattered across the Organ Mountains. This is an active cemetery, restricted to those who are past or present residents of Organ.

The 2009 series of “Visit Our Ancestors” will include a return to the San Jose Cemetery in Las Cruces and a visit to Missionary Ridge Cemetery in Mesquite. The full schedule for the 2009 is not finalized. Suggestions are welcome. For more information, please contact Mary Kay Shannon at Branigan Cultural Center, 575 541-2219, mkshannon@las-cruces.org.