This raised earthen bed was built by the Rock Island Railroad around 1900. It began in Chicago and eventually reached Santa Rosa NM, 100 miles (63 km) west of here, where it connected to other lines.

The Rock Island faltered, went into bankruptcy, and halted operations in 1980. Metal has been removed for scrap, but the worthless old ties remain and are visible from dirt Rt 66 which runs right alongside.

I also offer a colorized/solarized variant of this image.