Two years ago, while making revisions to my manuscript, I remember receiving a marketing questionnaire from a University of New Mexico Press publicist, seeking my input on marketing my upcoming book, Crosses of Iron.

Among the questions: “Do you know of any awards for which your book qualifies that should be considered for submission? Please list 1–5 awards that should be considered when outlining the awards plan for your book.”

At the time, given I was scrambling to meet my publisher’s rapidly approaching deadline, awards were the furthest thing from my mind.

Not anymore.

I am pleased to share that Crosses of Iron: The Tragic Story of Dawson, New Mexico, and Its Twin Mining Disasters has been selected for a prestigious book award by the Historical Society of New Mexico.

The Gaspar Pérez de Villagrá Award, which recognizes an outstanding publication in New Mexico and Southwest Borderlands history, will be presented later this month during the society’s annual conference in Albuquerque.

“Reviewers said the book was a well-researched and compellingly written narrative, combining solid mining history with personal stories to highlight this somewhat forgotten chapter of New Mexico history,” wrote Dennis Daily, chairman of the HSNM Awards Committee, in an email to me announcing the award.

“Also noted was the way the book brings attention to the diverse ethnic groups that have contributed to the development of New Mexico, its economy, and its cultural landscape. All reviewers mentioned your thorough research on the topic, utilizing a variety of primary source materials.”

Or in the judges’ own words:

— “The author has done a great service to New Mexico history by capturing this somewhat forgotten episode. Well-researched and compellingly written, the tale is a solid mix of the mining history and personal stories.”

— “It is a solid example of thorough academic research, including oral histories and company records. The style is engaging and clear.”

— “Readers with connections to the Dawson story will enjoy detailed references to family members and their experiences. Mining historians will appreciate the blending of company records, newspaper accounts, and reactions of people on the ground captured in various correspondences.”

The Gaspar Pérez de Villagrá Award is one of five book awards that will be awarded this year during the Historical Society of New Mexico’s annual conference April 25-27 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton Albuquerque.

I will be speaking at the conference Friday morning in a session titled “Life and Death in New Mexico Mining Towns.” I am on a panel with Jane Bardal (“Stories of Miners at Mogollon”) and Bruce Gjeltema (“Colfax and McKinley County Coal Towns”).

I want to express my heartfelt appreciation to the University of New Mexico Press for submitting my book for consideration, the judges who deemed it worthy of recognition, and the folks in the Dawson community for their steadfast encouragement, participation, and support throughout this entire project.