Nestled in the wide, open plains just southeast of Santa Fe, the tiny village of Lamy, New Mexico, holds a railroad history that stretches back to the late 19th century—a time when steam engines roared across the high desert and transformed this remote corner of the Southwest into a hub of commerce, culture, and adventure. Though today Lamy feels like a sleepy whistle-stop with just a handful of historic buildings, its ties to the railroad remain alive through Amtrak and the modern Sky Railway tourist trains. For vacationers, history buffs, and train lovers, exploring Lamy Railroad History is a step back in time and a gateway to experiencing rail travel the way it used to be—slow, scenic, and full of character.

This story begins with the arrival of the first tracks, weaves through the creation of the Santa Fe spur, and continues into today’s era of scenic rides, train schedules, affordable fares, and a reimagined future for modern day rail travel in northern New Mexico.

When the Railroad First Came to Lamy

To understand Lamy’s role in the railroad saga, you need to rewind to the 1870s, when the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railway (often simply called the Santa Fe Railroad) was aggressively expanding westward. Its goal was ambitious: connect Chicago to the Pacific Coast, tapping into trade, settlement, and the promise of the American frontier. But there was one big problem—Santa Fe itself.

Santa Fe, despite being the namesake of the railroad, was located high on a plateau, ringed by rugged hills, at 7,200 feet in elevation. The steep grades and challenging topography made it nearly impossible (and far too expensive) for the mainline to pass through the city. The railroad’s engineers, pragmatic to the core, decided to bypass Santa Fe altogether. Instead, they built the line south through the Galisteo Basin, where the land flattened out enough for a reliable track.

By 1879, the railroad had pushed its way through northern New Mexico, and the settlement of Lamy was established as a junction point. Named for Archbishop Jean-Baptiste Lamy, the French-born Catholic leader who had guided the region’s church for decades, the village sprang to life around the depot. Lamy became the official stop for passengers and freight bound for Santa Fe.

The Santa Fe Spur: Bringing the Capital into the Fold

Santa Fe couldn’t be left entirely out of the picture—after all, it was the territorial capital, a bustling trading post, and a major cultural hub. To connect the city to the mainline, the Santa Fe Railroad constructed a 18-mile branch line (or “spur”) from Lamy to Santa Fe. This spur, completed in 1880, allowed travelers to disembark in Lamy and take a relatively easy train ride into Santa Fe, avoiding the arduous stagecoach journeys of old.

This Santa Fe spur was more than just a practical solution; it gave the city a lifeline. Merchants could receive goods, tourists could easily visit, and the cultural exchange between the capital and the rest of the country flourished.

For much of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, trains were the heartbeat of the region. Santa Fe saw a boom in tourism thanks to the Fred Harvey Company and its famous Harvey Houses, which offered clean accommodations and meals for travelers exploring the Southwest. Many of those travelers passed through Lamy first, stepping off gleaming Pullman cars to either board the spur train or stay overnight in the quiet village.

The Golden Age of Rail: Lamy as a Crossroads

By the early 1900s, Lamy was more than just a junction; it was a small but vibrant community supported by the constant flow of passengers, mail, and freight. The depot became a social center, where locals mingled with travelers heading for Santa Fe or points beyond. The station’s classic Territorial-style architecture reflected the blend of cultures in the area, while the surrounding landscape—rolling grasslands and distant mountains—gave passengers their first breathtaking view of New Mexico’s beauty.

During this period, the Lamy station served as a gateway for Hollywood stars, politicians, and adventurers. The railroad brought in goods like lumber and coal, and shipped out wool, livestock, and produce from local ranches. The rhythms of the day were marked by the sound of locomotives arriving and departing, their whistles echoing across the basin.

Amtrak and the Decline of Daily Trains

The mid-20th century brought sweeping changes. With the rise of automobiles and the construction of Route 66 (later Interstate 25), train travel began to decline. By the 1960s, many passenger routes had been cut, and Lamy saw far fewer trains than in its heyday.

However, the story didn’t end there. When Amtrak was formed in 1971 to preserve intercity passenger rail service, Lamy was included as a stop on the iconic Southwest Chief route. The Chief runs between Chicago and Los Angeles, cutting across the Midwest, the Rockies, and the deserts of the Southwest.

For many modern travelers, Amtrak provides a unique way to experience Lamy Railroad History. While not as frequent as it once was, the station still welcomes passengers twice daily—one train heading east, one west. The experience is decidedly unhurried, offering wide seats, dining cars, and sweeping window views of the New Mexico landscape.

Vacationers can use current train schedules to plan trips to and from Lamy, with fares that are often more affordable than flying. The trip into Santa Fe still involves a short shuttle or car ride, but the charm of arriving by train—a mode of travel that feels almost romantic in today’s fast-paced world—remains strong.

Sky Railway: A New Chapter for Lamy

While Amtrak keeps Lamy connected to the national rail network, another line is breathing fresh life into the historic tracks between Lamy and Santa Fe: Sky Railway. Founded by George R.R. Martin (yes, the author of “Game of Thrones”) and local entrepreneurs, Sky Railway reimagines the old Santa Fe spur as a tourism-driven, entertainment-focused rail experience.

Sky Railway launched in 2021, offering themed train rides designed to blend history, culture, and adventure. Passengers can choose from a variety of experiences, including:

• Scenic Day Rides: Relaxing journeys through the high desert, with narration about the region’s history, geology, and wildlife.

• Evening Sunset Trains: Perfect for photographers and romantics, these rides capture the fiery skies New Mexico is famous for.

• Themed Excursions: From live music and stargazing to wine tastings, Sky Railway trains transform into rolling events.

For vacationers curious about modern day rail travel, Sky Railway combines the nostalgia of historic trains with contemporary comforts—climate-controlled cars, on-board refreshments, and entertainment. Train schedules vary by season, and fares are generally comparable to other regional attractions, making it a great add-on for visitors exploring Santa Fe.

Why Lamy Still Matters

Despite its small size, Lamy remains a living reminder of the era when railroads shaped the destiny of the Southwest. For travelers today, exploring Lamy Railroad History is about more than catching a train—it’s about connecting with a story of innovation, perseverance, and cultural exchange.

Visitors can stroll around the historic depot, which still retains much of its Territorial charm, and imagine the excitement of passengers arriving in the 1880s. Some local businesses, including restaurants and B&Bs, cater specifically to train travelers, offering a cozy layover before heading into Santa Fe or beyond.

For history buffs, the village is a springboard to nearby attractions: the Santa Fe Plaza (18 miles away), the Galisteo Basin trails, and the remnants of old Native American pueblos that predate the railroad by centuries. And for train enthusiasts, there’s nothing like standing by the tracks as the Southwest Chief thunders through, a steel link between the past and the present.

Planning Your Own Rail Adventure

For those looking to weave Lamy into their vacation plans, here are a few tips:

1. Check Amtrak’s Southwest Chief Schedule: Trains typically stop in Lamy twice daily. Eastbound and westbound trains arrive around midday and evening, but times can shift slightly, so always double-check the train schedules before booking.

2. Book Early for Sky Railway: Popular themed rides, especially the sunset and stargazing trips, can sell out quickly. Their website offers current fares and departure times.

3. Stay Local or Head to Santa Fe: Lamy itself is quiet, so many travelers either arrange a shuttle into Santa Fe or rent a car. That said, staying a night in the village can be a peaceful way to experience the high desert.

4. Bring Your Camera: From the historic depot to the sweeping views of the Ortiz and Sangre de Cristo Mountains, Lamy offers endless photo opportunities.

The Legacy of Lamy Railroad History

The railroad may no longer be the lifeblood of New Mexico’s economy, but its legacy continues to shape how people experience the region. From the first tracks laid in 1879 to the present-day Southwest Chief and Sky Railway, Lamy remains a symbol of the enduring allure of train travel.

For vacationers, the charm lies in the contrast: old and new, fast and slow, past and present. Riding the rails here isn’t just about reaching a destination—it’s about savoring the journey, hearing the echoes of steam whistles in the wind, and feeling connected to a history that transformed the Southwest.

Whether you’re stepping off Amtrak for a night under the stars, boarding a Sky Railway sunset ride, or simply visiting the depot to soak in the atmosphere, Lamy Railroad History is waiting to be experienced. It’s a story that began nearly 150 years ago and, thanks to a few determined dreamers and the steady hum of the rails, is still being written today.