Historical Marker

Sally Chisum Robert "First Lady of Artesia" (1858-1936)


Sallie was 19 when she arrived from Texas at her Uncle John Chisum’s Jinglebob Land and Livestock Company ranch south of Roswell. Her ranching skills rivaled those of the cowboys she joined driving cattle up her uncle’s Goodnight-Loving Trail to Colorado. She and her second husband opened the first post office and reading room in what became Artesia. Her landholdings are part of Artesia’s original townsite and include the site of her cast-stone house where she raised many orphans. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Some of her diaries are preserved at the Artesia Historical Museum and Art Center. They include entries about her uncle, Billy the Kid, the Regulators, and the Lincoln County War.

The Historic Women Marker Initiative of 2007 captured the public’s imagination. It has received international attention for its ambitious goal of telling women’s history in New Mexico on some of the state’s 650 Official Scenic Historic Markers. Before 2007, perhaps three markers mentioned women at all.

The lives of the only known female Buffalo solider, one of the world’s most famous artists, and unsung heroes like Sally Rooke who gave her life at her switchboard warning Folsom’s citizens of a wall of water approaching their town are honored on 75 women’s history markers.

The first phase of the Initiative concluded in 2010. Ten more markers were installed in 2015 and an additional 25 are expected to bring their numbers to an even 100 in the coming years. The program is a partnership of the New Mexico Women’s Forum, HPD, CPRC, New Mexico Department of Transportation, and the public. The 2006 legislature made the initial 65 historic markers possible.

Like all state historic markers, the women’s history markers are designed in the Park Service Rustic style adopted when the program began in 1935. What’s different is their perspective of New Mexico history.

The state has a diverse population, with a significant number of Hispanic, Native American, and Anglo residents. The Spanish language and Hispanic culture have had a profound impact on the state's history and traditions.
New Mexico random facts
Chaves County, located in the southeastern region of New Mexico, has a diverse and rich history that spans thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by various Native American tribes, including the Jornada Mogollon and Apache peoples. These indigenous groups relied on hunting, gathering, and farming as their primary means of survival.

In the 16th century, Spanish explorers arrived in the region, searching for gold and new trading routes. They established settlements and introduced Christianity to the native population. The Spanish influence remained in the area for several centuries, shaping the culture and architecture of Chaves County.

In the 19th century, American pioneers and settlers began to migrate to the region, attracted by the prospects of ranching and agriculture. The arrival of the railroad in the 1880s further stimulated the county's growth, connecting it to national markets and facilitating the transportation of goods.

Chaves County also played a significant role in the development of the aviation industry. In the early 20th century, famed aviator Roscoe Turner established the Roscoe Turner Airport in the county, attracting aviation enthusiasts and pioneering the field of aviation in New Mexico. Today, Chaves County remains an important hub for aviation, with commercial and private airports serving the region.

With its vibrant history, Chaves County continues to thrive as a center for agriculture, aviation, and cultural heritage. The county's diverse past has left a lasting impact on its communities and has shaped it into a unique and vibrant place to live and visit.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Chaves County, New Mexico.

  • 1889: Chaves County is created as a county in the Territory of New Mexico.
  • 1893: Roswell becomes the county seat of Chaves County.
  • Early 1900s: Agriculture, particularly dryland farming and livestock raising, becomes the main economic activities in the county.
  • 1940: Walker Air Force Base is established near Roswell, bringing military personnel and economic growth to the region.
  • 1947: The alleged Roswell UFO incident occurs, gaining worldwide attention and cementing Roswell's place in popular culture.
  • 1950s-1960s: Oil and gas exploration and production become important industries in Chaves County.
  • 1970s: The construction and completion of the Brantley Dam leads to the development of recreational activities, such as boating and fishing, in the county.
  • 1990s-Present: Chaves County continues to experience population growth and economic diversification, with sectors like healthcare, education, and tourism playing significant roles.