The St. James Hotel in Cimarron, New Mexico has been providing lodging and libations for more than 140 years. Located on the Cimarron Spur of the Old Santa Fe Trail, the hotel is in the National Register of Historic Places. It is also an integral part of the Cimarron Historic District. The hotel hosted numerous famous (and infamous) figures from the American West over the years, including Wyatt and Morgan Earp (on their way to Tombstone), Doc Holliday, General Sheridan, Jesse James, Clay Allison, Frederick Remington, Governor Lew Wallace, Black Jack Ketchum, Buffalo Bill Cody, Annie Oakley, Billy the Kid, Bat Masterson, and author Zane Grey.

Wyatt Earp and Bat Masterson
Wyatt Earp and Bat Masterson had a showdown with Clay Allison in Cimarron. Clay was cantankerous and confrontational, known for altercations and vigilantism.

Lambert Inn

Henri (later Henry) Lambert built the property in 1872. His route to Cimarron was an unusual one. During the civil war, he was President Abraham Lincoln’s personal chef. After Lincoln’s assassination, he followed the gold rush west to Elizabethtown, where he was a bartender in the local saloon. In that capacity, he met Lucien Maxwell, the man who owned the land associated with both Elizabethtown and Cimarron.

Maxwell may have had something to do with Lambert’s decision to open his own place in Cimarron. As a shrewd entrepreneur, there is no doubt Maxwell recognized the need for a hotel and saloon in his budding settlement (Cimarron was, more or less, his feudal fiefdom). Regardless, Lambert opened his restaurant and saloon, immediately becoming popular with cowboys, traders, miners, soldiers, and the many travelers trekking west on the Santa Fe Trail. Based on the revenue coming in from the bar, he added guest rooms in 1880. At that time, the hotel was one of the most elegant establishments west of the Mississippi River.

The St. James fell into disrepair after the railroad arrived, effectively ending traffic on the Santa Fe trail. Simultaneously, the gold mines were drying up, with mining camps dissolving as quickly as they appeared. The hotel went through several owners between 1926-1985; however, in 1985 it was lovingly restored to its former glory.

Lawlessness at Lambert’s

Given Cimarron’s reputation in the late 1800s as a law-less, rowdy town, the local saloon often became the site of alcohol infused altercations involving firearms. The saloon, restaurant, and 43 rooms at the St. James witnessed at least 26 murders during Cimarron’s wilder days. Fortunately, Lambert had the foresight to reinforce the ceiling to prevent drunk cowboys from shooting customers in the rooms above.

When Henry Lambert’s sons renovated the property in 1901, they discovered more than 400 holes in the roof. Though they removed or repaired most during the remodel, there are still 22 bullet holes visible in the tin punched ceiling of the dining room.

St James Hotel hallway

Haunted Hotel?

“It appears Lambert had himself another man for breakfast.”
“Who was killed at Lambert’s last night?”

The St. James Hotel is considered one of the most haunted properties in New Mexico. Ghost Hunters, Unsolved Mysteries, a Current Affair, and others have documented various types of paranormal activity, with most activity occurring on the second floor. Guests have reported cold spots, lights going on and off, things falling off shelves, tables, and walls, cameras malfunctioning, the smell of rose perfume, as well as the smell of cigar smoke in the hallways, though the hotel doesn’t allow smoking.

Evidently, the hotel is home to several poltergeists. Some are more pleasant than others. For example, there is Mary Elizabeth, Lambert’s second wife, who is a benevolent specter, tapping when doors or windows are left open or appearing to some as a faint apparition. Another resident spirit is a prankster, often blamed for objects that suddenly disappear and then reappear in unlikely places. Then, there are the more malevolent ghosts, like Thomas James Wright in Room 18. Thomas won the rights to the hotel in a poker game; however, he was ambushed when he retired to his room, shot from behind, falling face first on the bed. Staff keep the room locked. Usually guests aren’t allowed to go in.

St James Hotel restaurant & saloon

Staying at the St. James Hotel

The St. James Hotel offers 14 restored rooms in the original hotel, named based on notable and notorious guests from the past. The main hotel offers simple 19th century elegance, with antique chandeliers, velvet drapes, thick carpets covering its old wooden floors, brocade wallpaper, as well as many of the hotel’s original furnishings. The old saloon, which is now used as the hotel’s dining room, still holds the original antique bar, as well as the twenty-two afore-mentioned bullet holes in the ceiling. They also have a modern annex, with 10 additional rooms.

Rooms include a variety of sizes and amenities: singles, doubles, and family rooms, with private or shared baths. There are no phones, radios, or televisions in the 14 rooms of the main hotel; however, the ten-room annex has all the amenities of a modern hotel.

St James Hotel foyerRecent Guest Testimonials from Google

A real gem of a historic hotel in a gorgeous, unspoiled region of Northern New Mexico. Updated beautifully, but done without losing any of the charm and authenticity that make this part of the country so special. My only regret is that we stayed for just one night. We will certainly be coming back soon. ~ Joseph Rouse

This place is historic! Everything from bullet holes in the ceiling to steer heads on the walls. Tons of antiques and a beautiful setting inside and out. Everyone was incredibly nice and welcoming. At night there is a completely different and somewhat younger crowd. We had a great stay and enjoyed a steak dinner. ~ Kevin Vakalis

I’m here to tell you, if you want a really authentic wild west/paranormal experience, this is the place. Super cool vibe. Nothing scary but things will happen. If I could I’d give The St.James Hotel six stars. ~ John McDowell

If you’re looking to explore the history of the old west this is a place you don’t want to miss. We throughly enjoyed our stay here! ~ Mick McCormac

St James Hotel exteriorSt. James Hotel

617 S Collison Avenue
Cimarron, NM 87714

(575) 376-2664
front.desk@exstjames.com

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