Located along the Pecos River in southeastern New Mexico, Carlsbad is best known for its internationally famous caverns. As one of over 300 limestone caves formed by fossil reefs some 250 million years ago, Carlsbad Caverns features a year-round, 56-degree temperature with unique, naturally created sculptures. The city of Carlsbad also offers an interesting history as well as other activities worthy of exploration.

In the 1880’s, two brothers, Charles and John Eddy, formed a livestock company, ranch, and land development enterprise near the river. Charles was hoping to draw European settlers to the region’s sunny climate and clean air. Even legendary sheriff Pat Garret joined the Eddy’s venture of creating a system of flumes and canals for diversion of water to their properties.

Eventually, a community emerged, and on September 15, 1888, the city of Eddy became incorporated. Over the next several years, Eddy built schools, businesses, and homes. In 1891, the first train arrived on a newly completed railroad line from Pecos, Texas.

City residents in 1899 voted to rename their community Carlsbad after the famous European health resort, Karlsbad, Bohemia (currently of the Czech Republic). Some believed the mineral content and related healing properties of the water from Carlsbad Springs and its sister city in Europe was virtually identical.

Carlsbad is presently the county seat of Eddy County with an elevation of 3,295 feet. Other nearby attractions include the Living Desert State Park, Lake Carlsbad Recreation Area, and Guadalupe Mountains National Park.

Researched and written by Norman “Moni” Boling, Graduate History Student, University of West Florida, 2013.