Discover the story of Mysterious Dave Mather, the feared lawman of Las Vegas, New Mexico, who mysteriously disappeared after crossing the railroad tracks in 1885.
When the railroad reached the plains in 1880, Mysterious Dave Mather arrived in Las Vegas, New Mexico.
He came wearing a badge and carrying twin Colts. The town he entered was already divided. West Town clung to its older ways around the Plaza, while East Town had become associated with Hoodoo Brown’s gang and the gambling houses.
Mather became part of that dangerous frontier world, enforcing order during the day and establishing his reputation on the streets at night. Stories claimed that rivals could barely clear their weapons before Dave had his own iron drawn.
Yet for all the stories surrounding him, much about Mysterious Dave remained unknown.
Then came 1885.
Dave crossed the railroad tracks—and disappeared.
No grave was found in the desert. No lawman discovered his trail. No final chapter explained where he went.
He simply rode west and never turned back.
Want more stories from the forgotten history of Las Vegas, New Mexico? Follow The Original Las Vegas for historical stories, legends, characters, and events from the Meadow City and the New Mexico frontier.
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