Page Contents for Roswell, New Mexico

Statistics & Facts

Location

History & History-related items

City Attractions

Economy

Government

Chamber of Commerce.

Libraries.

Schools.

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Statistics & Facts

The New Mexico state capital is Santa Fe.
The population of Roswell is approximately 44,654 (1990), 48366 (2010).
The approximate number of families is 18,242 (1990), 17654 (2010).
The amount of land area in Roswell is 75.496 sq. kilometers.
The amount of surface water is 0.047 sq kilometers.
The distance from Roswell to Washington DC is 1649 miles.
The distance to the New Mexico state capital is 179 miles. (as the crow flies)
Roswell is positioned 33.37 degrees north of the equator and 104.52 degrees west of the prime meridian.
Roswell elevation is 3,570 feet above sea level.

Location

in southeastern New Mexico north of Carlsbad.
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History & History Related Items

Roswell, which was established in the 1870's, had several large springs in the local area which were then used for irrigation and the watering of the cattle herds. It wasn't until 1891 that residents realized what lay beneath the surface. Precipitation from the mountainous western region fed an artesian basin. Once discovered, the area began to increase its production of agricultural products. The new agriculture overcame the livestock industry as the main part of the economy. Not only did the agriculture of the area increase, but so did the town. By 1910 it was one of the most prosperous and fastest growing towns in the state. Dr. Robert H. Goddard came to the area in 1930. He began his experiments in rocketry which eventually aided our nation's ventures into space. He died in 1945.
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Attractions

Roswell Museum and Art Center
11th & Main Sts
Roswell, New Mexico
Phone: 505-624-6744
Historical art and artifacts from the Southwest. Local artist, Peter Hurd, is well-represented at the Art Center. An area of the museum known as the "Goddard Wing" re-creates Dr. Goddard's laboratory and other displays of his work. A planetarium is among the features of the museum.

Lt. Gen. Douglas L. McBride Museum
W. College Blvd and N. Main St.
Roswell, New Mexico
Phone: 505-624-8220
Located on the campus of the New Mexico Military Institute, this museum displays many military exhibits. Also showcased are the accomplishments of previous graduates and other New Mexicans.

Spring River Park and Zoo
College Blvd and Atkinson Rd.
Roswell, NM
Phone: 505-624-6760
A 36 acre zoo featuring 25 animal species. Also included are a miniature train ride, a fishing lake, picnic facilities, a wooden-horse carrousel and a Canadian Goose flock.

Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge
10 miles northeast off US 285 or 8 miles east via US 380
Refuge Headquarters
P.O. Box 7
Roswell, NM 88202
Phone: 505 622-6755
This refuge contains more than 24,000 acres of ponds, grassland and desert. Thousands of waterfowl spend their winters here, including sandhill cranes, roadrunners, quails and pheasants. The Salt Creek Wilderness with around 9,620 acres may be entered here, but only on foot or by horseback.
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Economy & Industry

mainly agriculture, shipping, manufacturing and oil production.
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Roswell City Government

City Manager
425 N. Richardson Ave.
Roswell, NM 88201-4730
Phone: 505-624-6700

Roswell Chamber

Chamber of Commerce
412 N. Richardson Ave.
Roswell, NM 88201-4731
Phone: 505-624-0889

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Chamber of Commerce
131 W. 2nd St.
Roswell, NM 88201-4703
Phone: 505-623-5695

Roswell Organizations

Chamber of Commerce
412 N. Richardson Ave.
Roswell, NM 88201-4731
Phone: 505-624-0889

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Chamber of Commerce
131 W. 2nd St.
Roswell, NM 88201-4703
Phone: 505-623-5695

Roswell Libraries

http://www.roswellpubliclibrary.org Roswell Public Library 301 N. Pennsylvania Ave.
Roswell, New Mexico
Phone: 505-622-7107
Hours: Mon. & Tues. 9am til 9pm / Wed. through Sat. 9am til 6pm / Sun. 2pm til 6pm
librarian: Betty Long, Director (7-2002)
The purpose of the Roswell Public Library is to provide service on equal terms to all residents of the City of Roswell and Chaves County.
The Roswell Public Library's collection as of July, 2002 is nearing 180,000 items. The Library has public access computers with office application, educational and reference software as well as unfiltered, high-speed internet access. The Roswell Public Library provides childrens story/craft programming three times per week. The Library also provides some teen and adult programs. The Library's website provides access to it's online catalog.

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Roswell Energy Library
200 W. 1st St. #124a
Roswell, NM 88201-4668
Phone: 505-622-1711

Roswell Schools

Roswell School District
200 W. Chisum St.
Roswell, NM 88201-5420
Phone: 505-625-8100