History of White Oaks, New Mexico

White Oaks, once a bustling town in New Mexico, has a rich history starting with its early Native American inhabitants and later European explorers. The discovery of gold in the late 1870s led to a rapid transformation into a boom town, attracting miners and outlaws alike. Notable figures such as Billy the Kid and Madame Varnish became part of its folklore. Over time, the town evolved from a lawless community to a more structured society, though its prosperity waned with the decline of mining and the absence of a railroad. Today, White Oaks is recognized as a historic district, preserving its storied past.

Who were the original inhabitants of the area now known as White Oaks before the Apache arrived?

• The Navajo

• The Puros natives

• The Comanche

• The Pueblo

What event led to the rapid growth of White Oaks in the late 1870s?

• The establishment of a military fort

• The discovery of gold

• The discovery of silver

• The arrival of the railroad

What was the nickname given to the area of White Oaks known for its bars and gambling establishments?

• Rustler's Den

• Hog Town

• Silver City

• Gold Town

Which notorious outlaw was known to frequent White Oaks despite primarily operating out of Lincoln?

• Billy the Kid

• Jesse James

• Doc Holliday

• Butch Cassidy

What was the main reason the railroad did not pass through White Oaks?

• The town's refusal to negotiate land prices

• The town's remote location

• The lack of a significant population

• The presence of outlaws

What was the name of the mine that helped White Oaks thrive after the Homestake mines began to decline?

• The Old Abe Mine

• The Silver Cliff Mine

• The Smuggler Mine

• The Robert E Lee Mine

Who was known as the 'Cattle Queen of New Mexico' and was a notable resident of White Oaks?

• Susan McEn Barber

• Madame Varnish

• Belle Starr

• Calamity Jane

In what year was White Oaks designated as a historic district on the national register of historic places?

• 2000

• 1990

• 1970

• 1950

What was the name of the saloon that remains operational in White Oaks today?

• The No Scum Allowed Saloon

• The Little Casino Saloon

• The White Oaks Tavern

• The Star Saloon

What was the estimated value of gold and other minerals produced by the mines in White Oaks?

• $20 million

• $10 million

• $40 million

• $30 million