Myrtle Attaway Farquhar (1900-1972)
Historical marker location:Having arrived earlier from Texas with a Master’s degree and a dedication to teaching African-American students, Myrtle Attaway Farquhar accepted a position in 1943 at the segregated Booker T. Washington School in Hobbs. She inspired students to pursue higher education, and she and her husband helped finance 10 students through college. Myrtle was inducted into the Southeastern New Mexico Education Association Hall of Fame in 1969
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.
New Mexico has been inhabited by various indigenous groups for thousands of years, including the Puebloan peoples who built elaborate cliff dwellings such as those found at the Bandelier National Monument.
The arrival of European settlers in the 19th century greatly impacted the region. Cattle ranching became a dominant industry, as the wide open plains made for ideal grazing land. Lea County saw the establishment of several ranches and the growth of towns such as Hobbs, Lovington, and Tatum.
In the early 20th century, exploration for oil and natural gas brought significant changes to Lea County. The discovery of oil in the area led to a rapid influx of people, transforming small towns into bustling oil communities. The oil industry shaped the economy and culture of Lea County, attracting workers from all walks of life and creating new opportunities for growth and prosperity.
Over the years, Lea County continued to develop and diversify its economy. Agriculture, particularly the production of crops like cotton and peanuts, became an important sector alongside the oil industry. The county also saw growth in industries such as healthcare, education, and tourism.
Today, Lea County is a vibrant community that embraces its history while looking towards the future. It remains a significant player in the oil and gas industry, while also exploring renewable energy sources. With a strong agricultural base and a focus on economic diversification, Lea County continues to thrive and attract residents and visitors alike.
Lea County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Lea County, New Mexico.
- 1917: Lea County is established from parts of Chaves and Eddy Counties.
- 1927: The county seat is moved from Lovington to Lovington City Park.
- 1930s: Discovery of oil brings rapid growth and economic prosperity to Lea County.
- 1931: Hobbs becomes an incorporated city.
- 1947: The world's first commercial helium plant is built in Lea County.
- 1951: Construction of the Artificial Nuclear Breeding Reactor (ANBR) begins near Hobbs.
- 1964: The ANBR project is canceled, leaving a partially complete reactor.
- 1970s: Oil industry booms, bringing more growth and prosperity to Lea County.
- 2000: The EnergyPlex business park opens in Hobbs, attracting various industries.
- 2020: Lea County experiences a population increase and diversification of its economy.