Portales

Historical marker location:

US 70, Portales , New Mexico

( north of Portales)

Portales derives its name from the porch-like appearance of a cave entrance at nearby Portales Springs. It developed as a major peanut producing region in the early twentieth century, after the Pecos Valley Railroad opened the area for commercial agricultural development. Eastern New Mexico University was founded here in 1934. Elevation: 4004 ft.