Socorro’s Most Notable Residents & Events, Past & Present

The largest earthquake in New Mexico.

Apache Scout and Renegade (c.1860-after 1894)

Civil War Battle on February 20-21, 1862

Founder of Hilton Hotel Chains (1887-1979)

Lawman, Lawyer, Politician (1865-1945)

It all started in February 1953, when Socorro resident Elmer Brasher was arrested and found guilty of driving while intoxicated.

We love a good ghost story!

Politician (1867-1953)

American Record Producer, Songwriter, Keyboardist, Vocalist, and Multi-Instrumentalist.

Spanish Conquistador, Explorer, Colonial Governor (1550-1626)

Socorro has had many mayors. Take a closer look.

Huge floods in 1929 and 1937 destroy San Marcial leaving it uninhabitable.

One of the best documented UFO sightings in U.S. history was witnessed by City of Socorro Police Officer Lonnie Zamora and investigated by many top scientists. Below is a short summary of the events that occurred that day: In late afternoon on Friday, April 24, 1964, Socorro Police Sergeant Lonnie Zamora departed his cruiser on […]

American Physicist (1925-2013)

Leader of the Mimbreño Apaches (1825?-1880)

Scholar of Native American History (1948-2008)