Lake Valley was founded in August 1878 with the discovery of silver in the area by George Lufkin who later sold out to George Daly.  Originally called Daly, the town was later named for the nearby ancient lake beds.  The settlement moved twice, and was finally established at its present site in 1882 when the Bridal Chamber Mine (in Lufkin's original claim) was discovered by blacksmith John Leavitt.  The walls of this subterranean mine were lined with silver so pure it was shipped unsmelted to the mint.  The strike produced 2.5 million ounces of pure horn silver.  One chunk, featured at the 1882 Denver Exposition, was valued at $7,000.  (Silver sold for $1.11/ounce then).  The mine manager was killed by Apaches a few days after the discovery.

Route to Lake Valley:  I-25 south 15 miles to exit 63.  West on NM Hwy 152 for 26 miles to Hillsboro.  South 17 miles on NM Hwy 27 to Lake Valley.