St. James Hotel, Historic frontier hotel in Cimarron, New Mexico, United States
St. James Hotel is a frontier lodging in Cimarron with 22 guest rooms split between two sections. The historic main building holds 12 rooms, while a modern two-story addition provides 10 more, connected by Lambert's Restaurant with its bar and patio.
The hotel was founded in 1872 by Henri Lambert, a former chef to President Abraham Lincoln, following a recommendation from President Ulysses S. Grant. During the late 1800s, it became a major site in New Mexico's rough frontier history.
The dining room shows bullet holes in its ceiling from an era when outlaws and lawmen frequented the place. These marks remind visitors of the rough frontier life that unfolded here.
The historic sections remain in active use, so visitors should expect older facilities compared to the modern addition. The on-site restaurant makes it convenient to explore the property without needing to leave for meals.
During the wild years of the late 1800s, the building witnessed approximately 26 documented deaths, making it a central location in the region's violent frontier history. This dark past draws history enthusiasts who want to understand the dangerous world of early western settlement.
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