In 1879, a prospector named Harry Pye, was delivering freight form Hillsboro to Camp Ojo Caliente for the U.S. Army. He discovered silver in a canyon. After he completed his frieghting contract, in 1881, he returned to the area where he discovered the silver. He staked his claim here. Word spread and a tent city sprung up. It was called Pyetown, then Brominde, and then finally, Chloride. Chloride was chosen as a name due to the high grade silver ore found here. My guess is that the silver was most likely in the form of silver chloride, hence the name of the town.
Chloride became a mining center, known as the Apache Mining District. During the 1880's Chloride had a population of up to 2,000 residents. It had every kind of business and convience imaginable. The newspaper, "The Black Range," was published from 1883 to 1897. Chloride was a bustling mining community. But there was one problem, Indians. The Apaches attcacked the general store on January 18, 1881, killing two people. Later that year, Harry Pye, was killed by the Apaches.
The mines produced about $500,000 in ore during the life of Chloride. The most productive mine was the Silver Monument, located 10 miles west of town. It alone produced $100,000 in ore by 1893. With the Silver Panic of 1893, the mines began to shut down. Silver prices dropped an amazing 90%. Many people moved away. Some stayed behind and mined zinc, lead and copper until about 1931, when the rest of the mines shut down. The post office didn't close until 1956. Although Chloride is pretty much a ghost town now, there are about 20 people who live here.
Today, there are many remains of the better days. There is a general store, numerous houses, a cemetary and other stores.
To get to Chloride, take exit #83 off I-25. Head west on Highway 142 for a couple miles until you see Highway 52. Take Highway 52 west through Chuchillo on to Winston. This probably about 20 miles. Chloride is about a mile or two west of Winston.