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Eddy County, New Mexico facts for kids

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Eddy County
Eddy County Courthouse in Carlsbad
Eddy County Courthouse in Carlsbad
Map of New Mexico highlighting Eddy County
Location within the U.S. state of New Mexico
Map of the United States highlighting New Mexico
New Mexico's location within the U.S.
Country  United States
State  New Mexico
Founded May 16, 1891
Named for Charles Eddy, a local rancher
Seat Carlsbad
Largest city Carlsbad
Area
 • Total 4,198 sq mi (10,870 km2)
 • Land 4,176 sq mi (10,820 km2)
 • Water 22 sq mi (60 km2)  0.5%%
Population
 (2020)
 • Total 62,314
 • Density 14.8437/sq mi (5.7312/km2)
Time zone UTC−7 (Mountain)
 • Summer (DST) UTC−6 (MDT)
Congressional district 2nd

Eddy County is a county in the state of New Mexico. In 2020, about 62,314 people lived there. Its main city and county seat is Carlsbad.

The county was created in 1891. It is located just north of the Texas state line. Eddy County includes the Carlsbad-Artesia area. Carlsbad Caverns National Park is also found here.

History of Eddy County

Early Ranching Days

In 1866, cowboys like Charles Goodnight and Oliver Loving brought large groups of cattle through the Pecos River area. They set up "cow camps" in places like Seven Rivers and what is now Carlsbad. John Chisum later joined them, bringing many thousands of cattle.

Charles Eddy and Water Projects

In 1881, Charles B. Eddy came to the area. With his brother, John, and partner Amos Bissell, he started the Eddy-Bissell Cattle Company. In 1884, they began the Halagueno Ranch. This ranch covered a large area from Seven Rivers to La Huerta (a part of Carlsbad).

Charles Eddy wanted to bring more people to settle in the area. He built a ditch to move water from the Pecos River in 1887. He called his company the Pecos Valley Land and Ditch Company. He hoped to attract people from Europe to the sunny climate.

Founding the Town of Eddy

In 1888, Patrick Garrett (a famous sheriff) and Charles Greene worked with Eddy. They planned a system of canals to bring water to their ranches. They found investors, including J.J. Hagerman. These men planned a new town on the Pecos River. They officially named the town Eddy on September 15, 1888.

The county was named after Charles B. Eddy. When Eddy County was formed in 1889, Seven Rivers was first chosen as the county seat. But in 1890, people voted to move the county seat to the town of Eddy. Charles Eddy gave land for a new courthouse. In 1899, the town of Eddy changed its name to Carlsbad.

Growth and Discoveries

On January 10, 1891, the first train arrived in Eddy on the new Pecos Valley Railroad. This made it easier to move crops like cotton and alfalfa, as well as cattle and wool. More people and investors came to the area.

In 1902, the amazing Carlsbad Caverns were discovered. They are about 18 miles (29 km) southwest of Carlsbad. It's still debated who found them first, Jim White or Abijah Long. These caves are now part of Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Millions of visitors from all over the world have come to see them.

Oil was found in Eddy County in 1909 near Dayton. Another big oil discovery happened in 1923 near Artesia. This made southeastern New Mexico a major oil-producing area. By 1938, the oil produced here was worth a lot of money.

In 1925, a scientist named Dr. V. H. McNutt found large amounts of potash east of Carlsbad. Potash is a mineral used in fertilizer. This led to a "boom" in potash mining, and many large companies started mining in the area.

Geography of Eddy County

Eddy County covers about 4,198 square miles (10,873 km²). This is almost four times the size of the entire state of Rhode Island! Most of this area, about 4,176 square miles (10,816 km²), is land. Only a small part, 22 square miles (57 km²), is water.

The lowest point in New Mexico is in Eddy County. It's on the Red Bluff Reservoir, where the Pecos River flows into Texas.

Neighboring Counties

Protected Natural Areas

Population of Eddy County

Historical population
Census Pop.
1900 3,229
1910 12,420 284.6%
1920 9,116 −26.6%
1930 15,842 73.8%
1940 24,311 53.5%
1950 40,640 67.2%
1960 50,783 25.0%
1970 41,119 −19.0%
1980 47,855 16.4%
1990 48,605 1.6%
2000 51,658 6.3%
2010 53,829 4.2%
2020 62,314 15.8%
U.S. Decennial Census
1790-1960 1900-1990
1990-2000 2010

In 2020, Eddy County had a population of 62,314 people.

Communities in Eddy County

Cabinetetc 011
Countryside in Eddy County, 10 miles (16 km) west of Hope

Cities

Villages

Census-designated places

These are areas that are like towns but are not officially incorporated as cities or villages.

Ghost Towns

These are towns that used to exist but are now abandoned.

  • Avalon
  • Barber Crossing
  • Four Forks
  • Four Wells
  • Harkey Crossing
  • Hunter Place
  • Lookout
  • Red Bluff
  • Illinois Camp
  • Three Forks

Education in Eddy County

Here are the school districts that serve different parts of Eddy County:

  • Artesia Public Schools
  • Carlsbad Municipal Schools
  • Loving Municipal Schools

See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Condado de Eddy (Nuevo México) para niños

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