About Carlsbad

HISTORY

Carlsbad, New Mexico, was founded September 15, 1888. Lillian Greene, the daughter of one of the area's early promoters, made it official when she bashed a bottle of champagne on the bank of the Pecos River to christen New Mexico Territory's newest city: Eddy. Charles Bishop Eddy -- for whom Eddy County is named -- sought to use the life-giving Pecos River as an investment magnet. He was seeking funds from a Swiss bank to attract European settlers to Eddy's clean air and sunny climate. Eleven years later, by a vote of 83-43, the city residents voted to rename their community Carlsbad, after the famous European health resort, Karlsbad, Bohemia (now the Czech Republic). The mineral content and related healing properties of the water in the two cities, continents apart, was virtually identical. Carlsbad Spring still flows today in the northern corner of the city, near the Pecos Flume. Framed by the Chihuahuan Desert, the city features numerous attractions, including spectacular aquatic vistas. Every city has an oasis, and with water included, Carlsbad is no exception.

The Pecos River snakes its way through this warm, desert town... its deep blue waters providing beauty, serenity, livelihoods and entertainment for many in the valley. Originating in the mountains of Northern New Mexico, the Pecos River travels 900 miles into Texas where it joins the Rio Grande. Along its journey, the river creates an awesome presence in Carlsbad and surrounding areas. Its waters are appreciated by farmers, ranchers, residents and visitors alike who work with them, play in them and dream along them. Enjoy a Webcam shot of the Pecos River by clicking this link -- www.carlsbadnm.com/light/cam.htm

One of the most impressive structures in Carlsbad, or anywhere, is the Pecos River Flume. The concrete aqueduct is Carlsbad's own "Believe It Or Not" entry -- it's the river that crosses itself. Originally built of wood, the flume was rebuilt with concrete following the 1902 flood and at the time of construction was the largest concrete structure in the world. It is still in use, carrying Pecos River water from Lake Avalon across the river. It was designed as part of an elaborate irrigation system, still in use around the area, and represented the leading edge of new technology at the time it was built.

Just past the Flume is the Eddy House, depicting the life and times of Carlsbad's founding settlers. The house is one of the first in Eddy, (Carlsbad). It was moved from its original location and rebuilt, stone by stone, with a new wood shingle roof added. Landscaping around the house includes a turning windmill and dugout -- a historical temporary dwelling in the history of the area.

Carlsbad Vital Statistics

• Population --- 24,952

• Elevation --- 3,100 ft.

• Temperature

  • Jan - 57/27

  • Apr - 80/47

  • Jul - 96/67

  • Oct - 79/48

• Precipitation --- 6 " annually

• Sunshine --- 350 days

• Visibility--- 40-50 miles

• Established --- 1888

• Government ---

  • City of Carlsbad

  • Carlsbad Fire Department

• Parks --- 30 city, state and national -- including:

  • Carlsbad Caverns National Park

  • Guadalupe Mountains National Park

• Zoos -- Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park

• Swimming Pools --- 3 and Carlsbad Beach

• Lakes --- 4

• Golf Courses --- 2

• Tennis Courts --- 3

• Accommodations --- 18 motels - 1200 rooms, 4 Campgrounds/RV Parks

• Medical --- Health Care In Carlsbad

• Libraries --- Carlsbad Public Library and Eddy Co. Law Library

• Museums --- Carlsbad Museum and Art Center

• Public Schools

  • 1 Early Childhood Development Center

  • 10 Elementary Schools

  • 2 Middle Schools

  • 1 High School

• Universities

  • New Mexico State University(2 year)

  • College of the Southwest-Hobbs (2 bachelor programs)

  • Northwood University

  • The Technology and Training Center

• Radio Stations --- 3 AM / 3 FM

• Newspapers --- 1