The Town Too High To Die: A Self-Guided Audio Tour in New Mexico

Madrid produced the coal that both built the Bomb and inspired Walt Disney. Abandoned as a ghost town for many years, it was reborn as a thriving artistic community. The Oral History Tour lets you hea

Madrid produced the coal that both built the Bomb and inspired Walt Disney. Abandoned as a ghost town for many years, it was reborn as a thriving artistic community. The Oral History Tour lets you hear Madrid’s stories, as told by the people who lived them. Using smartphone technology, it plays the audio automatically, at exactly the right time and place. All dimensions of Madrid’s peculiar, multifaceted story are explored: from an eyewitness account of union-busting violence, to that time the brand-new fire engine accidentally burned down the firehouse. The Oral History Tour was distilled from seventy hours of interviews, and endures as a preserved collective memory of this unique New Mexican treasure. Of this two-hour tour, The Santa Fe Reporter wrote, “It’s a deep dive into the fascinating history of the little town. You’ll find interviews with locals, some of whom have lived in Madrid their whole lives, and a narrator with a soothing voice ... it works exceedingly well.”

From: $0.00

Location: Santa Fe

What's Included

Community Discussion

Q&A

Q: Is there an age limit for this audio tour? Thinking of gifting it to my 12-year-old niece.

A: There's no specific age limit for The Town Too High To Die tour! It's pretty family-friendly, and kids often love exploring places with a mix of history and storytelling. Just keep in mind that some topics might be a bit intense, but overall it’s suitable for most ages. Plus, since it’s self-guided, your niece can engage with it at her own pace.

Q: Can this audio tour be done in bad weather? We're planning to go next week, but rain's looking likely.

A: The tour is mostly outside, but you can certainly wear a rain jacket and do it in light rain. Just be cautious if there's heavy storms! If the weather's really bad, you might want to consider rescheduling. The audio plays automatically, so you won't miss anything important as long as you're in the right spots!

Q: How long does the tour actually take? I want to make sure I set aside enough time for it.

A: The tour is designed to take around 2 hours, but it can vary based on how much you stop to explore or listen. Some folks spend a bit longer if they're really into the history and art of Madrid. Make sure to wear comfy shoes; there’s a bit of walking involved!

Discussions

Just got back from The Town Too High To Die tour—what an experience!

I took the audio tour last weekend and it was amazing! The stories shared by the locals really bring Madrid to life. I loved hearing about the firehouse incident—who knew such wild stuff happened here? The app worked seamlessly, and I appreciated that I didn’t have to worry about internet access. If you love local history, definitely give this one a shot. Oh, and wear comfy shoes!

Looking for gift ideas—has anyone tried the Madrid audio tour?

I’m planning to buy an experience for my dad’s birthday, and this audio tour sounds interesting! It’s free, which is awesome, but I’m curious about what to expect. Is it really engaging? And how’s the parking situation near the start point?