A County that Flows......
Oil, Gas, Water, Wine, Milk, and More
Filled with historical buildings, wonders of the world, hearty
agriculture, and lots of crude oil, Eddy County is a unique mix
of the Old West and new world technology.
The county seat is Carlsbad, home of Carlsbad Caverns, and
is the largest of the Eddy County cities. It is situated in a
semi-arid climate at the northern tip of the Chihuahuan Desert.
At an elevation of 3,100 feet, Carlsbad enjoys mild winters and
endures hot summers. The city, with its tree-lined streets, public
parks and recreation areas--including the municipal beach and
greenway along Lake Carlsbad--originated as an oasis, the "Pearl
on the Pecos."
An extensive irrigation system comprising four upstream dams
on the Pecos River and miles of canals throughout the Carlsbad
area sustains agriculture and provides recreational opportunities,
though the average annual precipitation is no more than 15 inches.
This system, known as the Carlsbad Irrigation District, is the
foundation of Carlsbad and the key to its history. The town has
had several different incarnations over a little more than a
century -- from frontier settlement to boom town and tourist
destination to retirement community and new technology center.
amber.com.
Dodier, V. A brief history of Carlsbad, NM, Carlsbad Museum &
Art Center) (Information adapted
from the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Web site: www.carlsbadch
Just north of Carlsbad is the thriving town of Artesia. Artesia
started out as an agricultural oasis until the early 1920s, when
many of the area's artesian wells began to dwindle. "Artesia"
is actually the town's third name. The first name was "Miller"
which came from a railroad employee. Then for a brief time it
was known as "Stegman" after the first postmistress,
none other than Sallie Chisum Robert Stegman. Sallie dropped
the "Stegman" from her name soon after her divorce.
With the discovery of artesian wells in the area, the fledgling
town was renamed "Artesia" in 1903. It was officially
incorporated in 1905.
In the early 1920s, when many of the area's artesian wells
began to dwindle, another kind of well was discovered when the
Illinois #3 oil well came in, opening up the Artesia oil fields
locally and the Permian Basin regionally. Today, the oil and
gas industry continues to flourish in the Artesia area along
with farming, ranching, dairies, small businesses and the Federal
Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC). With a population of
12,000, Artesia, nestled in the Pecos Valley, may be New Mexico's
best kept secret. (information adapted from
the Artesia Chamber of Commerce Web site: www.artesiachamber.com.)
REDTT has an active County Tourism Council (CTC) that meets
on the 3rd Wednesday of each month in various locations around
the county. For additional information, to become a member and
to get involved in tourism in Eddy County, contact the REDTT
director at redtt@nmsu.edu
or call (505) 646-8009. REDTT is open to all persons interested
in tourism issues.
Towns and places in Eddy County include: Artesia, Carlsbad,
Loving and Hope. Learn more about Eddy County by clicking on
some of the following links:
- Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce
- www.carlsbadchamber.com
- Artesia Chamber of Commerce and
Visitor Center - www.artesiachamber.com
- Living
Desert Zoo and Garden State Park - Living Desert Zoo
& Gardens State Park is an indoor/outdoor living museum displaying
more than 40 native animal species and hundreds of succulent
plants from around the world. While on the 1.3 mile self-guided
tour, visitors discover many faces of the Chihuahuan Desert,
from sand dunes and pygmy forest to the desert floor. See Maggie,
the painting bear, too! (505) 887-5516.
- Fiesta Drive-In
Movie Theatre - Yes, a real drive-in movie theatre! There
are not too many left in America today. Visit Fiestas Web site
to learn some interesting drive-in movie history and where other
drive-ins are located. All shows at this drive-in are at 7:45
p.m. ONLY, on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. 401 West Fiesta,
Carlsbad, NM. Visit the Web site to see what's playing or call
(505) 885-4126.
- Sitting
Bull Falls - One of the largest waterfalls in
New Mexico (130 feet) with a cave system hidden behind the falls.
A wonderful recreation area and picnic spot with facilities.
The cave is accessible only by appointment and requires park
ranger guide. The trail up to the cave is dangerous and therefore
is off limits without permission. Located in the Lincoln National
Forest. North of Carlsbad via U.S. 285, then southwest on N.M.
137, the west on CR 276 to the falls. (505) 887-6516.
- Brantley
Lake State Park - a southern desert park and refreshing
place to fish and enjoy other water sports. The visitor center
includes historical exhibits about the Wild West town of Seven
Rivers. (505) 457-2384
- Carlsbad
Caverns - Visit what's known as the 8th Wonder of the
World, located just 27 miles south of Carlsbad. The world that
exists 750 feet below the surface is truly a subterranean marvel.
There are both self-guided tours and, for the more adventurous,
ranger-guided wild caving tours. These tours cover a broad spectrum
of difficulties, from the easy level walking passages of Left
Hand Tunnel, to the twisting belly-crawls of Spider Cave and
Hall of the White Giant. Whatever your choice, you will not be
disappointed. Regular admission is $6 per person. Make reservations
for guided tours by calling (800) 967-CAVE. Some tours are limited
and fill up quickly, so plan well in advance.
- Artesia Historical Museum and Art
Center - Located in the historic Moor-Ward cobblestone
house, this museum features exhibits and displays relating to
local and area history, including Native American artifacts,
farming and ranching displays, information about the oil and
gas industry, plus a restored, 1930s-era kitchen and children's
room. 505 W. Richardson Ave., Artesia, NM 88210 (505) 748-2390.
- Carlsbad
Museum and Art Center - Art, antiquities, Pueblo pottery
collection, quilts, galleries of local and regional history displays
and changing art exhibitions. You cannot miss this museum. Gift
shop. Open 10am-5pm, Mon-Sat, FREE admission. 418 W. Fox St.,
Carlsbad, NM (505) 887-0276
- Artesia MainStreet District - Heritage
Plaza & Walkway, Derrick Floor and Pioneer Bronze Sculptures,
and Historic Buildings - Artesia has invested more
than $6 million in renovations since 1997. Stroll through a bustling
downtown with huge storefront windows, renovated historic inns,
restaurants and theaters. View larger-than-life bronze sculptures
that pay homage to Sallie Chisum, the First Lady of Artesia,
and the Derrick Floor, a huge bronze sculpture dedicated
to the men and women who take the risks and do the work to find,
produce and refine New Mexico oil and gas. Finally, stroll down
to Heritage Walkway and catch a unique, mini-view of Artesia's
history, colorfully created by local artists.
- Carlsbad MainStreet District
- Get a first hand look at the wonderful shopping that Carlsbad
has to offer. Another successfull New Mexico MainStreet renovation.
Visit artist galleries, antique shops, cafes, specialty shops
and then have some afternoon tea. (505)628-3768
- Heritage
Inn - A warm and peaceful atmosphere is conveyed through
the elegant rooms of the Heritage Inn, with high ceilings and
exquisite furnishings. Located in the heart of the Artesia business
district. Situated on the second floor of a 1905 Artesia commercial
building, it was completely remodeled in 1993 to become Artesia’s
first Bed and Breakfast. 209 West Main Street
Artesia, NM 88210, (866) 207-0222 or (505) 748-2552.
- The Wellhead Restaurant
and Brewery - From arms storage to department store,
hotel to cafe, then a bar to a post office, the 1900 Baskin Building
was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1990.
Today, drink fine, micro-brewed beer and eat good food.
- Cottonwood
Winery - Nestled in the middle of beautiful farmland,
with horses and llamas grazing about, relax and sample Cottonwood's
Dolce Blanc or, Artesia's favorite, mango-flavored Bulldog wine.
Many other varieties of New Mexico wines are offered, as well
as salsas, cheeses, and unique, wine-related gifts. Dale Taylor,
#1 E. Cottonwood, Artesia, NM 88210 (505) 365-3141
- Christmas
on the Pecos - Carlsbad Cruise Lines will be your host
for an hour-long informative and relaxing cruise. View more than
100 homes which, during the Christmas on the Pecos season (Thanksgiving
through New Year's Eve), are decorated to the hilt with lights
and holiday decorations. If you have questions, or would like
to purchase tickets via telephone, after October 1st please call
(505) 887-6516, or our ticket office after November 1st at (505)
628-0952 Monday through Friday 9am-5pm.
- Lake
Carlsbad Beach Park - Experience the oasis in the desert.
Located on the Pecos River in downtown Carlsbad, you can rent
a paddle boat or kayak, or take a relaxing narrative cruise on
the famous George Washington Paddle Wheeler. This area is used
for picnics, water sports, has playgrounds, fishing and boating.
For more information call (505) 885-6262.
- More to come as information is received
- contact Web master with
new information
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