Shakespheare went through many name changes in its early days. It started off called Mexican Springs, then Grant, then Ralston, then finally, Shakespeare. In the late 1850's, it became a stage stop for the famous Butterfield Overland Stage Company. It was a necessary stopping point because there was abundant water here. During the late 1870's, some silver mining started to make progess in the area. Mining was prosperous until the great Depression hit in 1929.
Today, there are many old buildings still standing at the townsite. One of them is the old Butterfield Stage Station, built in 1858. The saloon, general store, hotel, and a miner's house also are still standing.
It was also a common hang out for famous men of the Old West, such as Curly Bill Brocius, the Clantons and the Earps.
In the beginning, Steins was known as Doubtful Canyon, due to the constant threat of Indians. One of the men killed here was Captain Stein, resulting in the naming of Steins Pass. A post office was established here in 1888. A few years later gold was discovered near Doubtful Canyon. And it lived on, for a while. Luckily, for Steins, the Southern Pacific Railroad came through and made Steins a rail station.
Present day Steins is actually a few miles east of the original site of Doubtful Canyon. Today, there is still a store and many houses still standing. There are other various remnants at the site also.
To get to present day Steins, tale exit #5 on I-10. Steins is just north of the Interstate, follow the signs.
To get to Shakespeare, take exit #22 on I-10 in Lordesburg, New Mexico. Go south for a few miles to Shakespeare.
