On October 22, 1913, a catastrophic explosion at the Stag Canon No. 2 coal mine in Dawson, New Mexico, claimed the lives of 263 miners, making it one of the deadliest mining disasters in U.S. history. The explosion was attributed to a build-up of methane gas, which was a common hazard in coal mining. This tragedy underscored the dangerous working conditions in the mining industry and led to increased scrutiny of safety practices and regulations in the years that followed.

The Dawson Stag Canon Mine Disaster of 1913 contributed to the rich tapestry of Southwest U.S. mining lore, inspiring regional poets such as John Haines, who captured the stark realities of mining life and its impact on local communities in their works.