Historical Marker

Carlsbad Caverns National Park (2)

Historical marker location:
US 62/180, Whites City vicinity, New Mexico
( east of Whites City)

These vast and magnificent caverns contain over 21 miles of explored corridors. The chambers contain countless stalactites and stalagmites unrivaled in size and beauty. The caverns are within a reef that formed in an ancient sea 240 million years ago. Millions of years later, the reef was fractured, allowing ground water to begin work fashioning the caverns

  A brief timeline of the history of the National Parks

  • 1872: Yellowstone National Park is established as the first national park in the United States and widely recognized as the first national park in the world.

  • 1890: Yosemite National Park is established in California, protecting its iconic landscapes and natural wonders.

  • 1916: The National Park Service (NPS) is created as a federal agency responsible for managing and preserving national parks. Stephen Mather becomes the first director of the NPS.

  • 1919: Grand Canyon National Park is established in Arizona, safeguarding its immense and awe-inspiring canyon.

  • 1926: Great Smoky Mountains National Park is established, becoming the most visited national park in the United States.

  • 1933: President Franklin D. Roosevelt establishes the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) as part of his New Deal program. The CCC plays a crucial role in the development and conservation of national parks, employing thousands of young men in projects such as trail construction, reforestation, and infrastructure improvements.

  • 1964: The Wilderness Act is passed, protecting designated wilderness areas within national parks and other public lands, ensuring their preservation in their natural state.

  • 1970: The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is signed into law, mandating environmental impact assessments for federal projects, including those within national parks.

  • 1980: The Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act is passed, expanding the national park system and adding significant areas of land in Alaska, including the establishment of Gates of the Arctic National Park and Preserve.

  • 2009: President Barack Obama signs the Omnibus Public Land Management Act into law, designating several new national parks and expanding existing ones, such as Joshua Tree National Park and Zion National Park.

  • Present: The U.S. National Park system has grown to include over 60 designated national parks, as well as national monuments, preserves, seashores, and historic sites. These protected areas attract millions of visitors each year and serve as vital conservation areas for biodiversity, natural wonders, cultural heritage, and outdoor recreation.

The establishment and continued expansion of the U.S. National Parks reflect a commitment to preserving and sharing the country's unique natural and cultural treasures for future generations.

New Mexico played a significant role in the American Civil War, with Union and Confederate forces fighting several battles in the territory. The most famous of these was the Battle of Glorieta Pass in 1862, which ended Confederate hopes of capturing the Southwest.
New Mexico random facts
Eddy County, New Mexico has a rich and diverse history that spans thousands of years. The area was originally inhabited by the Apache and Navajo tribes, who relied on the land's resources for sustenance. European exploration and settlement began in the late 16th century when Spanish conquistadors arrived in search of gold and silver. They established missions and trading posts, introducing Catholicism and new technologies to the indigenous populations.

In the 19th century, Eddy County experienced significant changes due to the expansion of the United States. The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848 brought the region under American control, and it became part of the New Mexico Territory. The discovery of oil in the early 20th century had a profound impact on the county's development. Eddy County quickly became a major oil-producing area, attracting investment and leading to a population boom.

Eddy County played a significant role in World War II. Carlsbad Army Airfield, now known as Cavern City Air Terminal, was constructed in 1941 and served as a training base for bomber crews. Additionally, the nearby Carlsbad Caverns National Park was utilized as a storage site for sensitive materials during the war.

In more recent years, Eddy County has focused on diversifying its economy to reduce dependence on the oil industry. The tourism sector has grown, with the Carlsbad Caverns National Park attracting visitors from all over the world. The county also embraces agricultural production, particularly in dairy and pecan farming. Eddy County continues to evolve and thrive, preserving its rich history while adapting to new opportunities and challenges.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Eddy County, New Mexico.

  • 1852 - Eddy County is established as a county in the New Mexico Territory.
  • 1861 - The county seat is moved from San Jose to Karval, which is later renamed as Carlsbad.
  • 1892 - Carlsbad Caverns are named a national monument.
  • 1899 - The first commercial oil well in New Mexico is drilled in Eddy County.
  • 1918 - The construction of the Brantley Dam starts on the Pecos River to provide irrigation water for the area.
  • 1923 - Eddy County's population reaches its peak due to the oil boom.
  • 1930s - The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) builds infrastructure in Eddy County, including roads and trails.
  • 1947 - Carlsbad Caverns National Park is established, protecting the cave system.
  • 1977 - Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) opens in Eddy County for the disposal of radioactive waste.
  • 1980s - Eddy County experiences another oil boom, increasing the population and economic activity.
  • 1992 - Eddy County Historical Museum is opened in Carlsbad to preserve and showcase the region's history.
  • 2000 - The town of Loving becomes incorporated as a municipality in Eddy County.
  • 2010 - Eddy County's population surpasses 50,000 residents.