54. Old Adobe Hotel

Montezuma, NM

ca.1846-ca.1880

Legend says that Montezuma, on his way south to found the Aztec Empire, bathed in the hot springs just north of here at the mouth of the Gallinas Canyon. Having been an important resting spot for Native Americans, trappers and traders, this bathhouse/hospital was erected by General Kearney's U.S. army of occupation next to the Montezuma Hot Springs. This adobe building was the hotel that Jesse James stayed at during his visit to Las Vegas in 1879. James may have been considering relocation to Las Vegas. He was good friends with the Moores, who had established the Old Adobe Hotel around that time. The Moore family was also acquainted with William Bonney, or Billy the Kid. During Billy's night at the Old Town Jail on December 26, 1880, the Moore's presented Frank Stewart with a $60 revolver as a show of appreciation for his part in the Kid's capture. In return, Stewart gave them Billy the Kid's mare, which was considered to be one of the best in the Territory. The Old Adobe Hotel's role diminished for the development of a world-class resort at the Hot Springs, and thus was removed soon thereafter the taking of this photo.

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