In 1893, a mill was built at the townsite. The town supported 200 people, but had problems getting enough water to run the mill and for use by the townspeople. So, in 1893, a four inch water line was extended for three miles into the canyon to supply the mill and the town. Soon, the water pipeline could not keep up. In 1895, Graham was granted a post office. By 1897, a new 18 inch water pipeline replaced the old one. Now the mill could process 75 tons of ore per day. The town started to decline and the post office was closed in 1904. In 1913, the mill was closed due to outdated practices and various other reasons. Some of the mines in the canyon continued to be mined until 1942.
Today, there are very few reamins at Graham, but it does hold many rewards for the avid ghost town seeker. First of all, it is just a few minutes away from Mogollon, a must see NM ghost town. Through Whitewater Canyon, there is a catwalk where the old water pipeline used to be. It follows the old trail back into the canyon for 1.1 miles. The scenery is breathtaking. There are waterfalls, unique rock formations and towering canyon walls. Also in the canyon, there are many old rectangular concrete supports from the old water pipeline. I even found a section of the old water pipeline about 12 feet long. Although, I wouldn't attempt to find it, it is just beyond the end of the trail and takes a little skillful climbing. Also, at the mouth of the canyon (by the beginning of the parking area) I found some old walls and wood framing just a little ways up the side of the mountain. It could possibly be remanats from the mill.
To get to Graham (also knowns as Whitewater), turn east from Glenwood at the signs for the Catwalk. Follow the road back for two or three miles to the parking area.
