While uranium mining is a thing of the past in New Mexico, the town of Grants can’t seem to shake the moniker “the uranium capital of the world.” Set along historic Route 66, this town has also been referred to as “Uranium City, NM.” But how did this small town in New Mexico become the uranium capital? Well, you’re about to find out!

Grants was not always called "Grants." It was first settled as a railroad camp in the 1880s for those working on a portion of the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad. It was named "Grants Camp" at the time as "Grant" was the last name of the three Canadian brothers who headed up the project.
Joe Treviño/Google Reviews
Eventually, a town grew out of the camp as more people settled here, and it was renamed just "Grants" in 1936. Logging became popular in Grants for a time and Grants-Milan was even the "carrot capital" of the U.S. Route 66 eventually cut through town and tourism expanded.
In 1950, a local rancher stumbled upon a curious yellow rock by the Haystack Mountains. This was the first discovery of uranium in the area.
New Mexico Mining Museum/Google Reviews
More uranium was discovered in Grants, NM than anywhere else in the U.S. as well as the world. And the town became known as "the uranium capital of the world.
Lexie Hain/Google Reviews
Thousands of jobs became available in Grants due to the discovery of uranium, and mining here continued through the 1980s.
Thomas Herrmann/Google Reviews

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While uranium mining in Grants is a thing of the past, you can certainly visit the New Mexico Mining Museum in town. Here you'll see displays and photos that educate visitors on mining in the area. There's even a simulated underground mine at this museum.
100 Iron Ave, Grants, NM 87020, USA
Discover Grants Cibola/Google Reviews
If you decide to visit Grants, make sure you set aside time to visit the Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano. Situated on the Continental Divide, you'll be able to go hiking through ancient lava trails.
Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano, 12000 Ice Caves Rd, Grants, NM 87020, USA
Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano/Google Reviews
You'll also be able to enter the Ice Cave and view the layer of ice on the walls. I think it's utterly fascinating!
Ice Cave and Bandera Volcano/Google Reviews
Remember that Route 66 runs through Grants so you'll stumble across eateries and motels that were built during that era as well. I think we all should take a road trip to Grants, New Mexico!
DanDG91/TripAdvisor

Have you ever visited Grants? Were you aware that it’s “the uranium capital of the world?” Let us know in the comments!

Visiting Grants, NM anytime soon? How about spending the night at the Cantina Stagecoach Stop with views of Mt. Taylor?

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Grants, NM 87020, USA