Steins Ghost Town Near Lordsburg Highlights Tourism and Preservation Challenges

Located west of Lordsburg in the Peloncillo Mountains, Steins (often written Stein’s) began as a railroad stop and quarry and functioned primarily to support rail operations and nearby mineral activity. The settlement never had a natural water source and relied on water and supplies shipped in by rail. When railroads such as the El Paso & Southwestern and later Southern Pacific stopped subsidizing water deliveries, the settlement’s population dwindled, the post office closed, and much of the town was abandoned. Today visitors can see remnants of railroad infrastructure and scattered foundations, and Steins is frequently paired with nearby Shakespeare as a ghost-town destination for travelers based in Lordsburg.

For Hidalgo County residents and leaders, Steins presents both opportunity and responsibility. Heritage tourism can bring visitors and economic activity to Lordsburg and surrounding communities, but unmanaged visitation creates safety and preservation issues in a desert environment where water is scarce and remains are fragile. The lack of clear, public access rules for some parcels, and the fact that parts of the site may be on private land, complicates stewardship and liability for both landowners and public agencies.

Institutionally, the challenges at Steins cut across multiple jurisdictions and interests. County officials, state transportation and land management agencies, private landowners, and historical preservation groups share roles in signage, interpretation, access control, and emergency response planning. Without coordinated policies, Hidalgo County faces potential burdens on search and rescue services, erosion of historic fabric through unregulated visitation, and missed opportunities to develop safe, informative visitor experiences that benefit the local economy.

Practical measures would include a county inventory of ghost-town sites to clarify ownership and access, coordinated signage on I-10 and local roads to inform visitors about rules and hazards, and outreach to private owners about stewardship options. Emergency-preparedness planning and public education about desert safety can reduce risks for casual visitors who may not appreciate how remote and exposed the area is.

Visitors should exercise caution: carry sufficient water, tell someone your plans, respect private property, and avoid disturbing fragile historic remains. With clearer policies and cooperative stewardship, Hidalgo County can preserve Steins’ historical significance while managing visitor safety and supporting local economic goals.