Continental Tie & Lumber Co

The Continental Tie and Lumber Company played a significant role in the early 20th-century logging industry in northern New Mexico, particularly within the area now known as Philmont Scout Ranch. Established by Thomas Schomburg, with financial backing from individuals like Frank Springer, CT&L was closely associated with the Cimarron and Northwestern Railway (C&N), incorporated in January 1907. The railway’s construction facilitated the efficient transportation of timber from remote logging sites to broader markets, marking a pivotal development in the region’s industrial history.

The C&N railway began on the east side of Cimarron, crossing various terrains, including the French Ranch and Chase Orchard. It forked at what is now known as Six-Mile Gate and continued up the North Ponil Canyon, crossing the Ponil River fifty-one times over its 22-mile length. Maintaining a steady 2% grade, the railway climbed a total of 1,400 feet, with a parallel telephone line established to facilitate communication. The C&N made its first run on January 6, 1908, marking the beginning of a new era in the region’s logging industry.

CT&L established several timber camps along the railway route, including notable sites at the crossing of the Metcalf and North Ponil Canyons, and at Ring, northwest of Ponil Park. These camps were hubs of activity, where loggers harvested Ponderosa Pine and Douglas Fir, the predominant timber in the area. The harvested timber was primarily used for mine props, railroad ties, and construction lumber, essential materials that supported the rapid industrial growth of the early 20th century.

Today, Philmont Scout Ranch preserves and interprets this rich logging heritage through its backcountry programs. Camps such as Pueblano and Crater Lake recreate the historical setting of CT&L logging operations, offering Scouts immersive experiences that include spar pole climbing, log cutting, and other traditional logging activities. These programs provide participants with a hands-on understanding of the challenges and skills of early loggers, fostering an appreciation for the region’s industrial history and the labor that contributed to its development.

For a more in-depth exploration of the history and activities related to the Continental Tie and Lumber Company at Philmont Scout Ranch, the Backcountry Logging Pueblano Camp Profile offers detailed insights.