Once inhabited by Jicarilla Apache and Moache Ute Indians, Philmont was the site of one of the first pioneer settlements in northeastern New Mexico. The present ranch is part of the original Beaubien and Miranda Land Grant which was granted to Carlos Beaubien and Guadalupe Miranda by the Mexican government in 1841. Beaubien's son-in-law, mountain man Lucien Maxwell, led the first settlers to the grant in 1848. With the help of his friend Kit Carson, Maxwell's settlement on the Rayado River prospered, despite frequent Indian raids and harsh wilderness conditions.

Maxwell moved his ranch north to the Cimarron River in 1857, the site of present day Cimarron. There it became a famous stop on the Santa Fe Trail, bringing American trade goods into New Mexico. Ten years after Maxwell moved to the Cimarron, gold was discovered on his ranch near Baldy Mountain. For years afterward, the mountains and streams of Maxwell's Ranch swarmed with prospectors and miners.

In 1870, Maxwell sold his ranch to an English land company known as the Maxwell Land Grant and Railroad Company. After several years the land was again sold to a Dutch based company who attempted several development schemes, but eventually sold the land in tracts for farms and ranches.

Oklahoma oilman, Waite Phillips, became interested in developing a ranch out of the old land grant in 1922. He eventually amassed over 300,000 acres of mountains and plains in a ranch he named Philmont (derived from his name and the Spanish word for mountain, "monte").

The Philmont Ranch became a showplace. Immense herds of Hereford cows and Corriedale sheep grazed its pastures. Phillips built a large Spanish Mediterranean home for his family at the Headquarters, naming it the Villa Philmonte. He developed horse and hiking trails throughout the scenic backcountry along with elaborate fishing and hunting cabins for his family and friends.

Waite Phillips believed in sharing his wealth with people outside his family. In this spirit he offered 35,857 acres of his ranch to the Boy Scouts of America in 1938 to serve as a national wilderness camping area. The area was named "Philturn Rockymountain Scoutcamp" (after Phillips' name and the BSA slogan, "Do a Good Turn Daily"). After observing the enthusiastic response of the first Scout campers, Phillips augmented his original gift in 1941, with an addition including his best camping land, the Villa Philmonte, and the headquarters farming and ranching operation. The second gift was made so that "many, rather than few" could enjoy his rich and beautiful land. The property, now totaling 127,395 acres was renamed "Philmont Scout Ranch."

Phillips realized that the cost for maintenance and development of the property could not and should not be derived entirely from camper fees. As an endowment he included in the gift his 23-story Philtower Building in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

In 1963, through the generosity of Norton Clapp, vice-president of the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America, another piece of the Maxwell Land Grant was purchased and added to Philmont. This was the Baldy Mountain hiking area consisting of 10,098 acres.

Camping History

Since Philmont's first camping season in 1939, more than 650,000 Scouts, Venturers and their leaders have participated in the rugged challenge of its backpacking program. Philmont's camping season is from mid-June to late August. Scouts and Venturers must be in top physical condition, at least 14 years of age by January 1 of the year in which they attend or have completed the eighth grade, and registered members of the Boy Scouts of America. Organized into crews of 7-12, including at least two adult leaders, participants hike Philmont's mountains for ten full days, spending nights at various backcountry camps. At staffed camps, crews can participate in a variety of programs presented by Philmont backcountry staff. Among these programs are horseback riding, burro packing, gold panning, rock climbing, 30.06 rifle shooting, archaeology, mountain biking and interpretive programs such as homesteading and mountain man rendezvous.

In addition to regular expeditions, Philmont offers several special programs. These include Cavalcades (expeditions on horseback), Mountain Men and Mountain Women (a provisional 6-day experience for family members of Training Center participants), Rayado Treks (an extended expedition for Scouts and Venturers who have attained a high degree of backpacking skill and who are at least 15 years or ninth grade graduates, and not yet 21), and Trail Crew (a 28-day combination trail building and expedition).

Training Center History

Serving as the National Volunteer Training Center for the Boy Scouts of America since 1950, the Philmont Training Center offers a variety of week-long conferences for council and district volunteers and professionals each summer. Each conference features the latest tools and techniques, audio-visuals, discussions, idea-sharing, and activities led by a faculty of experienced Scouters selected by the divisions and committees of the National Council for their expertise in the conference's topic. Invitation to the conferences is upon recommendation of the local council or one of the BSA's National Committees.

While a Scout leader is in a summer conference, programs are planned for all members of the family - infant through adult. Family members enjoy a staff-led program of hiking, tours, handicrafts, games, campfires, and outdoor activities. A backcountry adventure for Venturer-age youth is included.

The Philmont Training Center is also open from September through April for conferences conducted by the National Council and local BSA councils.