Tour Around Creative New Mexico: Eastern New Mexico
By ERMW Team
Saturday May 4, 2024
On the third day of our tour across Creative New Mexico we visit Eastern New Mexico, where amidst landscapes that captivate with their rugged beauty, lies a treasure trove of cultural heritage, ripe to be explored. Wander through historic towns where generations of artists have left their mark, from centuries-old murals adorning adobe buildings to cutting-edge galleries showcasing bold new visions.
Clovis: The Sound of the Southwest
Downtown Clovis by ArdenZ87, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Where the vast Llano Estacado meets the Southwest, Clovis thrives as an agricultural hub and historical crossroads. It's known for its role in early rock 'n' roll history at the Norman Petty Recording Studio, where legends like Buddy Holly crafted their iconic sound. Delve into the past at the Blackwater Draw Site, one of the earliest known human settlements in North America. At the Clovis-Curry County Chamber of Commerce and the Hillcrest Park Zoo, modern Clovis hums with activity. Explore public art installations and bustling events like the Clovis Music Festival, showcasing the rich heritage and vibrant spirit of this spirited community amidst the wide-open plains.
Estimated Population (2024): 40,000
Climate: Semi-arid, four seasons, windy conditions in the spring
Geographic Area: 23.7 square miles
Industries:
Agriculture: A major center for cattle production and dairy farming
Cannon Air Force Base: Provides significant economic impact and employment
Transportation & Logistics: Key transportation hub with rail and highway access
Retail & Service: Serve the local community and surrounding regions
Manufacturing: Presence of dairy product processing and other manufacturing
Fun Fact: The "Clovis Point," a distinctive spearhead from the Paleo-Indian era, was discovered near Clovis and revolutionized the understanding of early North American history.
Cloudcroft: A Mountaintop Art Haven
Cloudcroft by Edward Jackson, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Start your journey high in the Sacramento Mountains in the charming village of Cloudcroft. Nestled amongst pine forests, Cloudcroft offers a cool mountain escape with a surprising art scene. Browse the galleries on Burro Avenue, showcasing local artists inspired by the mountain setting. Explore the historic Lodge at Cloudcroft, filled with art and history. Attend events like the Cloudcroft Art & Wine Festival, celebrating creativity with a mountain backdrop.
Estimated Population (2024): 700
Climate: Mountain climate, cooler temperatures, four distinct seasons, higher precipitation.
Geographic Area: 1.63 square miles
Industries:
Tourism: Primary economic driver, visitors seeking mountain climate, outdoor recreation, and a scenic getaway.
Hospitality: Lodging, restaurants, and shops catering to tourists.
Small-scale Retail: Gift shops, galleries, and stores focused on visitors.
Forestry: Limited logging activity within the Lincoln National Forest.
Real Estate: Development of vacation homes and second homes.
Fun fact: Cloudcroft was originally established as a summer retreat for people to escape the heat of the Texas and New Mexico desert.
Tucumcari: Route 66 Retro with Artistic Flair
Tucumcari Odeon Theatre on 2nd by Ammodramus, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Follow the iconic Route 66 to Tucumcari, where vintage neon signs and classic motels transport you back in time. Beyond the retro vibes, Tucumcari is embracing its artistic side. Discover vibrant murals adorning its buildings, transforming the town into a colorful outdoor gallery. Visit the shops and galleries for a unique mix of quirky souvenirs, Route 66 nostalgia, and locally made art.
Estimated Population (2024): 5,000
Climate: Semi-arid plains, hot summers, mild winters
Geographic Area: 7.6 sq mi
Industries:
Tourism: Route 66 with its vintage motels and attractions is the focus.
Transportation: Highway and railroad traffic bring travelers and goods through the area.
Agriculture: Ranching and farming are important in the surrounding region.
Retail: Focused on serving travelers along Route 66 and local residents.
Healthcare: Smaller scale regional healthcare provider.
Fun fact: The Mesalands Dinosaur Museum in Tucumcari features incredible dinosaur fossils and exhibits.
Portales: High Plains Oasis with University Flair
Portales Aerial View by Quintin Soloviev, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Discover Portales, a vibrant oasis on the high plains of Eastern New Mexico. Home to Eastern New Mexico University, the town buzzes with a youthful energy. Explore the classic downtown square brimming with shops and eateries, and uncover a surprisingly eclectic music and arts scene. Savor the renowned Valencia peanuts, grown locally, and step back in time at the fascinating Blackwater Draw Museum, featuring prehistoric artifacts.
Estimated Population (2024): 13,000
Climate: Semi-arid, with warm summers, cool winters, and distinct seasons
Geographic Area: 8.008 square miles
Industries:
Agriculture: Dairy farming, peanuts, and other crops are a major economic force.
Education: Eastern New Mexico University is a significant employer and cultural hub.
Manufacturing: The regional dairy processing plant provides numerous jobs.
Retail & Services: Supports the town and surrounding farming communities.
Government: County seat of Roosevelt County offers government-related jobs
Fun fact: The Blackwater Draw Museum near Portales houses an important archaeological site where Clovis people artifacts were discovered.
Artesia: Energy, Agriculture, and Artistic Surprises
Bulldog Bowl in Artesia via New Mexico True
Artesia, an energy hub nestled in the southeast corner of New Mexico, thrives thanks to rich oil and gas resources. Beyond the energy industry, agriculture continues to play a key role. Discover the area's artistic side at the Artesia Arts Council and the Ocotillo Performing Arts Center, injecting cultural vibrancy into this prosperous town.
Estimated Population (2024): 13,500
Climate: Semi-arid, with hot summers and mild winters
Geographic Area: 11.36 square miles
Industries:
Oil and Gas: Drilling, extraction, and support services drive the economy.
Agriculture: Farming (particularly hay and cotton) and ranching are significant.
Manufacturing: Some light manufacturing related to the energy and agricultural sectors.
Education: Artesia Public Schools are an important employer.
Healthcare: Providing services to the local community.
Fun fact: Artesia has a fascinating underground lake, Lake Artesia, which lies directly beneath much of the town.
Santa Rosa: Rest Stop on Route 66 with Deep Waters
Santa Rosa Courthouse by Cathy from USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
On historic Route 66, Santa Rosa boasts an inviting blend of old and new. Grab a bite at a classic Route 66 diner or discover hip eateries revitalizing the downtown area. Dive into the cool depths of the Blue Hole, a world-renowned scuba destination offering crystal-clear waters in a unique geological formation. Enjoy a slower pace with a touch of classic Americana.
Estimated Population (2024): 2,600
Climate: Semi-arid, with distinct seasons
Geographic Area: 5.02 square miles
Industries:
Tourism: Route 66, Blue Hole, and surrounding natural attractions.
Transportation: Still a highway crossroads, providing logistical support, gas stations, etc.
Agriculture: Ranching a significant part of the local economy.
Government: County seat, providing some governmental jobs.
Healthcare: Limited local services but an important need as the population ages.
Fun fact: Santa Rosa is known for its collection of natural lakes fed by underground springs. Blue Hole, Park Lake, Perch Lake, and the sinkhole lakes of the Santa Rosa Sink System are found in the area.
Roswell: UFOs, Agriculture, and Air Power
Roswell by SRSMITH555, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Roswell, known for the extraterrestrial intrigue of the supposed 1947 UFO crash, embraces the otherworldly while remaining firmly rooted in the present. Farming and ranching drive much of the economy alongside a significant military presence. Take in the stars at the Bottomless Lakes State Park, a starkly beautiful landscape contrasting sharply with the area's verdant agricultural regions.
Estimated Population (2024): 47,000
Climate: Semi-arid, with hot summers and cool winters
Geographic Area: 29.9 square miles
Industries:
Agriculture: Dairy farming, ranching, chili peppers, and other crops
Military: Walker Air Force Base is a considerable economic force
Tourism: Roswell Incident, museums, outdoor recreation draw visitors
Healthcare: Regional medical center serving southeast New Mexico
Manufacturing: Some fabrication related to agriculture and oil/gas sectors
Fun fact: Roswell hosts an annual UFO Festival celebrating the town's connection to extraterrestrial lore.
Your Eastern New Mexico Creative Discovery
Bitter Lake in Roswell by markbyzewski, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Eastern New Mexico offers a blend of stunning scenery, diverse cultures, and a surprising artistic pulse. Whether you're drawn to traditional Native American art, mountain-inspired creations, or the quirky charm of Route 66, this tour will spark your imagination. Venture off the main roads to uncover hidden galleries and explore the towns beyond this itinerary for even more creative surprises.
Tips for Your Tour
Respectful Exploration: When exploring Native American art and cultural centers, be respectful of traditions and ask questions to gain deeper understanding.
Outdoor Adventure: Combine your art explorations with hikes, horseback riding, or fishing in the stunning landscapes of the region.
Route 66 Detours: Embrace the nostalgic charm of Route 66 and allow for spontaneous stops in small towns along the way – you might uncover hidden treasures.
We finish our journey through the Creative Towns of New Mexico tomorrow in Beautiful Southern New Mexico, so be sure to visit again!
Additional Notes:
Microclimates: Smaller towns can have localized weather variations due to their proximity to mountains, rivers, etc.
Local Resources: Some towns or counties might have their own population estimates and predictions.
Town vs. Surrounding Area: Census data may not distinguish between the developed limits of a town and the larger unincorporated area around it.
CDPs: The size of CDPs will vary depending on how the Census Bureau defines its boundaries
State Projections: The New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration might have population projections on their website (https://www.nmdfa.state.nm.us/).