The "mining district" is comprised of the communities of Santa Clara, Bayard, Hurley, and Hanover. These communities reside near the Chino Mine. Homes in these communities tend to be smaller and older. However, many are more affordable than the nearby town of Silver City.
This area has a rich mining history. Apaches, Spaniards, Mexicans, and Americans have all obtained native copper and copper ore from this site. The present-day open-pit mining operation was begun in 1910.
Nearby is Fort Bayard Historic District. Fort Bayard, which was established in 1866 to station soldiers of the US Army in proximity to mining camps in the region is located next to Santa Clara. In subsequent years the fort was converted to an Army hospital, specializing in the treatment of tuberculosis and a US Veterans Hospital. Fort Bayard Medical Center, a long term care nursing facility is currently on part of the site. The property is maintained by the Village of Santa Clara and the Fort Bayard Historic Preservation Society.