31/12/2025
Short History of Charles Kennedy and the Elizabethtown Murders
Charles Kennedy stands out as a notorious figure in the history of Elizabethtown, New Mexico. Between 1865 and 1870, he is believed to have been responsible for the deaths of at least 14 travelers, possibly more, along the Taos Trail leading to the mining fields north of town.
Kennedy settled in the Moreno Valley around 1865 with his wife, Rosa, who was of Ute descent, and their young son. They established a roadside rest stop and inn at the base of Palo Flechado Pass—a vital gateway to Elizabethtown during the gold rush era. The remote setting made it an ideal location for Kennedy's activities.
Travelers who stopped at the cabin for meals or overnight stays began to go missing. Kennedy allegedly took their lives while they slept, stole their possessions, and disposed of the remains. With Elizabethtown's population booming due to the gold rush, such disappearances were easily overlooked.
In 1870, a well-known resident of Taos disappeared en route to Elizabethtown. Investigators discovered his horse, pack animals, and belongings on Kennedy’s property. Kennedy insisted he had come across them after an Apache raid, but authorities doubted his story, though they lacked evidence to prove otherwise at the time.
One widely told account recalls a traveler asking Kennedy’s family if they had seen any anyone in the area. Kennedy’s son reportedly responded, “Can’t you smell the one Papa put under the floor?” In anger, Kennedy then shot the traveler and killed his own son.
Devastated by the loss of her son, Kennedy’s wife fled to Elizabethtown and shared her story with residents. An impromptu trial was held, but the jury could not agree on a verdict. A group of vigilantes—possibly including the legendary Clay Allison—removed Kennedy from jail and executed him.
The approximate Site of the Kennedy Cabin would be the following; While the exact foundation is lost, historical accounts place it on the western descent of Palo Flechado Pass, along the Taos–Elizabethtown road, before reaching the open Mareno Valley floor. The cabin was later destroyed by fire, and the story became a lasting part of local folklore.
There is a legend of Allison bringing the head of Kennedy to the St. James and rolling it out on the billiard table. Nice story, but there is no hard evidence or documentation to collaborate this. Unless anyone has anything? Kennedy was believed to have been buried in the Elizabethtown Cemetery.
Below is a possible photo of Kennedy's wooden grave marker (unable to verify) and the title of an article ran by the Weekly New Mexican 10/1870.
