|
INTERESTED IN THE HISTORY OF CARLSBAD, NEW MEXICO?
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 champaign 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 with them, play in them and dream
along them.
Visitors can enjoy a unique experience at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens
State Park. The park is a wonderland of Chihuahuan desert animals and plants
in a fascinating setting. Open daily except Christmas Day.
One of New Mexico's newest state parks is Brantley Lake State Park, only
twelve miles north of Carlsbad. Enjoy camping, skiing, boating, fishing,
birding, and swimming. The desert's mild climate attracts visitors
year-round. Saturday night campground programs are held throughout the
summer.
Lincoln National Forest encompasses 285,000 acres for hiking, caving,
camping, picnicking, rock climbing, horseback riding, non-motorized mountain
biking and experiencing the beauty of nature.
|