CROSSES OF IRON: The Tragic Story of Dawson, New Mexico, and Its Twin Mining Disasters

On October 22nd, 1913, 261 miners and two rescuers died when a massive explosion ripped through a mine operated by Phelps, Dodge & Company in Dawson, New Mexico. Then again on February 8th, 1923, a second blast claimed the lives of another 120 miners, with two survivors. Today, the only hint of what was once considered the largest company-owned town can be found at historic Dawson Cemetery. 16 pages of photos.