Chaves County

Chaves County is an administrative division in southeastern New Mexico covering approximately 6,075 square miles, making it the fourth largest county in the state. The area spans desert landscapes and mountain regions and is home to several communities including Roswell, Dexter, Hagerman, and Lake Arthur.

The New Mexico Territorial Legislature established the county in 1889, naming it after Colonel Jose Francisco Chaves, a military leader during the Civil War. This naming reflected the region's acknowledgment of his leadership and military service.

Roswell, the county seat, houses several museums and historical sites that document how the region evolved from early settlements to modern times. These places reveal how local communities shaped the land and its character over generations.

The county is served by multiple school districts, with major facilities concentrated in Roswell, Dexter, Hagerman, and Lake Arthur. Population centers are spread across these communities, so travel times vary depending on your destination within the area.

The area encompasses both vast ranching territories and farmland, yet less than one percent of its total land consists of water bodies. This combination makes it a significant center for both ranching and farming in the region.

Location: New Mexico

Inception: February 25, 1889

Capital city: Roswell

Shares border with: De Baca County, Eddy County, Lincoln County, Roosevelt County, Lea County, Otero County

Website: http://co.chaves.nm.us

GPS coordinates: 33.36000,-104.47000

Latest update: December 7, 2025 10:08