After gold was discovered at nearby Chloride and the town began to grow, some thought it too crowded or rowdy and moved about 2 ½ miles northwest. The new community, which began in 1881, was originally named Fairview.

Despite its proximity to Chloride with its already established businesses, as well as the constant threat of Apache attacks, Fairview (Winston) grew quickly. By June 1881, about 25 buildings were under construction, preparations for a well were underway, and the construction of a new hotel was announced. Soon, the community also supported a smelter, a mercantile store, a butcher shop, a grocery store, a general store, a post office, two hotels, a drug store, a doctor, and a school.

A daily stage from Engle Station ran to the town. At its peak, Fairview (Winston) reportedly reached a population of about 500.

However, as the ore began to play out in nearby Chloride, the population declined. By 1889, Fairview reported only about 125 souls; by 1897, there were only 30. The community continued, however, as a small trade center for area ranchers, farmers, and the few prospectors who kept searching the surrounding hills. Gradually, the population began to climb again, and by 1905, it once again supported about 100 people.

 

Unlike many mining camps in the American West, Fairview never took on the violent, lawless reputation of others. For the most part, its citizens were quiet and peaceful, its worst threat being that of the fierce Apache. However, this reputation was marred in September 1884 when a killing rocked the peaceful city. It began when a rancher named George Quarles wanted to borrow $500 from a merchant named Jacob Blum. Quarles was furious and the next day returned to Blum’s store with a six-gun, waving his gun around and making threats. Blum then retreated to get his own gun from the rear of the store, and Quarles followed. George’s brother Henry was also in the store and was already armed. He challenged Quarles when he began to follow his brother. The furious rancher then turned on Henry, firing his gun and missing. Henry returned fire, striking Quarles in the mouth and killing him instantly. The Coroner’s Jury ruled the killing justifiable self-defense.

During Fairview’s early days, Frank H. Winston was one of the town’s most prominent citizens. A Wisconsin native, Winston initially settled in Grafton, another mining camp about ten miles northwest of Fairview. In 1886, he moved to Fairview, where he opened a General Store and became the town’s postmaster. By 1915, he was also president of the Fairview Cattle Company and proprietor of the Fairview Garage. He would also serve in the New Mexico Legislature.

Winston was a kind man known for extending credit to his customers, especially during difficult financial times, even when there was little chance of repayment. When he died on November 10, 1929, he was buried in the nearby Chloride Cemetery. A year later, Fairview was renamed Winston to honor the man.

Several old buildings still stand in Winston, including the 1890 school, Frank Winston’s home and store, the old post office, and a chapel.

A community fiesta is held on the first Saturday of June each year, which features a parade, barbecue, flea market, cow-chip poker, and a dance.

To get to Winston from Truth or Consequences, travel North on I-25 to Exit 83, then take NM-181, then NM-52, and follow the signs to Winston. The ghost town of Chloride is just 2 ½ miles down the road.