Hidalgo County. It was originally called Stein's Pass after the nearby pass through the Peloncillo Mountains, where Steen camped in 1856 while exploring the Gadsden Purchase. The town was founded in 1880 as a fueling stop for the Southern Pacific Railroad. In the early 1900s, the town had 1,300 residents; however, the population slowly declined until the town disappeared. In southwest New Mexico, there are two mountains and a stream named in Steen's honor. Steins Mountain is located northwest of the Steins town site. The summit of Steins Mountain is above sea level. Stein Peak is located to the northwest of Stein's Mountain. Its summit elevation is . Both mountains are part of the Peloncillo Range. Steins Creek begins on the southern slope of Steins Mountain and flows southwest across the New Mexico border into Arizona. References 1800 births 1880 deaths People from Harrodsburg, Kentucky People from Jackson County, Missouri Union Army officers American people of the Indian Wars Explorers of Oregon Crook County, Oregon Harney County, Oregon History of Doña Ana County, New Mexico History of Hidalgo County, New Mexico