The Nogales Branch

Fairbank to Nogales, AZ

Home | AZ | EP&SW , NM&A , SP

This branch is a remnant of the former mainline of the New Mexico and Arizona Railroad, built in 1882, that extended from Benson (on SP's Sunset Route) to Nogales, on the Arizona border with Mexico. It passed through remote country, serving military forts and mines in the area. In later years (1930s) only the segment between Fairbank and Patagonia segment remained in service, and this was later cut back and then abandoned.

The eastern portion of the branch does not pass near many paved roads, and the old grade can be located near the Babocomari River. Further west the line paralleled AZ Route 82 between Sonoita and Patagonia. This branch was several miles north of, and not connected to, the Southern Pacific's Fort Huachuca Branch.

Heading west from Fairbank, the branch line passed through these towns/stations:

Brookline
Huachuca City
Ballybrophy
Landers
Elgin
Canelo
Sonoita
Ashburn
Casa Blanca
(Fort) Crittenden
Patagonia
Nogales

This view faces east from AZ Route 90 in Huachuca City. Railroad... — This view faces east from AZ Route 90 in Huachuca City. Railroad Drive is a washboard-type dirt road that parallels the old SP right of way in both directions.It would be OK for 4WD or dirt bikes but not ordinary cars. White car is parked on approximate location of former rail line. Photo by Mike Palmer, 2/1/2002.

This view faces east, and is a little further east from the prev... — This view faces east, and is a little further east from the previous picture. The right-of-way heads straight into the ridge line in the distance, and is slowly being taken over by the native plants in the area. Some ballast remains, but rails and ties are absent. Photo by Mike Palmer, 2/1/2002.

This is the original 1900 Patagonia, Arizona station for this br... — This is the original 1900 Patagonia, Arizona station for this branch of the old New Mexico and Arizona Railroad. The branch was abandoned around 1960 after ASARCO Mining closed its Flux Mine, which was the only source of substantial revenue. The station was moved to its present location when Arizona Highway 82 was built and restored for use as a municipal building and real estate office. Photo by Chris Poole, 9/20/2012.

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Southern Pacific Railroad
Docket: 10278	12/18/1933	Section: 1
App of New Mexico and Arizona RR. Co., El Paso & Southwestern RR. Co. and Southern Pacific Co., their lessee, for certificate to abandon the Patagonia Branch between Fairbank and Flux, in Cochise and Santa Cruz Counties, Arizona, a distance of 46.744 miles.
Length: 46.744 miles	171

Southern Pacific Railroad
Docket: 12415	5/16/1939	Section: 1
Application of Southern Pacific Railroad Company to abandon a portion of its Patagonia Branch between Patagonia and Flux, in Santa Cruz County, Arizona, a distance of approximately 2.88 miles (abandonment of the line itself as well as the operation thereof is sought).
Length: 2.88 miles	184	Citation: 233 ICC 601

Southern Pacific Railroad
Docket: 21403	12/15/1960	Section: 1(18)
App. for auth. to aband. the Patagonia Branch line and operation thereof, Rio Grande Division, near Fairbank, extdg. to the end of said branch line near Patagonia, a distance of 43.700 mi., together with sidings, spur tracks and appurtenances, located in Cochise and Santa Cruz Counties, Ariz.
Length: 43.7 miles	235

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