N.M. town auctioned off for $1.55 million

updated 2:10 p.m. ET July 15, 2008

CARLSBAD, N.M. - White's City, a tourist town at the entrance to Carlsbad Caverns National Park, has been sold at auction for $1.55 million.

Higgenbotham Auctioneers International says the community and the surrounding 366 acres were sold Monday. The company did not release the identity of the winning bidder.

White's City includes two motels, a recreational vehicle park, a museum, retail shops, a gasoline station, an opera house and a water park.

Contents of the Million Dollar Museum are being sold separately.

The incorporated town was founded in 1927 by Charlie White and has been managed by the family since.

Family member Charles Dugger has said the family's children have interests outside the area and it's time to move on.

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