From a small settlement on the stage and emigrant trail to California, it grew, in 1870, with a silver strike and diamond swindle, to a town of 3,000 people. The 1908-1932 mining boom, added to the town's reputation for lawlessness. Always a mysterious, secretive sort of town, it had no church, no newspaper and no local law.
Scheduled tours are available as well as regular tours every other weekend.
Approximately four times a year authentic re-enactments are performed. More Information on Shakespeare Steins Steins Railroad Ghost Town is 16 miles west of Lordsburg. Originally a Butterfield Stage Station, built in 1858, Steins served east and west bound wagon trains. It reached its peak of prosperity as a Southern Pacific Railroad Station from 1905 to 1945 with a population of 1000, supporting two saloons, a dance hall, a constable and Justice of the Peace. Today, Steins has 10 building and 16 rooms filled with authentic artifacts and furniture dating back to the 1800's, a rattlesnake exhibit, sodas, picnic supplies and souvenirs.