Cleveland Square

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Cleveland Square is a historic district located in the city of Clayton, in the state of New Mexico.


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Summary

It is a popular tourist destination for its well-preserved architecture, charming atmosphere, and many attractions.

Visitors can explore a variety of points of interest, including the Clayton Historical Society and Museum, located in a restored train depot; the Herzstein Memorial Museum, which features exhibits on Native American life and history; and the Santa Fe Trail Museum, which highlights the history of the famous trail that ran through the area.

Other notable sites in the Cleveland Square district include the Union County Courthouse, the Clayton Municipal Building, and the Clayton Library.

Interesting facts about the area include its history as a hub for cattle drives and as a stop on the Santa Fe Trail. The town of Clayton was founded in 1887 and named after a prominent attorney, Powell Clayton.

The best time of year to visit Cleveland Square is during the summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny. However, visitors should be prepared for hot temperatures and occasional thunderstorms. Winter can be cold and snowy, but the area is still charming during the holiday season and offers unique events like the annual Christmas parade.

Overall, Cleveland Square offers a unique glimpse into New Mexico's history and is well worth a visit for anyone interested in Western culture, architecture, and heritage.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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