Artesia

Artesia is a city in Eddy County, New Mexico, situated at the intersection of U.S. Routes 82 and 285 and covering about 9.9 square miles (26 square kilometers) of land. The Pecos River flows roughly 4 miles (6 kilometers) to the east, shaping the geography of this southeastern New Mexico settlement.

The discovery of an artesian aquifer in 1903 prompted the settlement's founding, with the town incorporating in 1905. Water accessibility from underground sources drove agricultural expansion and well development through the 1920s.

The town takes its name from the artesian well discovered in the early 1900s, which became central to how residents understood their community's identity. This water-based heritage shapes how people here view their relationship with the land and local resources.

The city is easily accessed via U.S. Routes 82 and 285, connecting to regional economic centers. The landscape is flat and mostly rural, so visitors should plan for open sun exposure when exploring outdoor areas.

The former Abo Elementary School, built in 1962, was one of the first public schools designed to function as a nuclear fallout shelter for about 2,000 people. Its underground classroom design reflected Cold War fears of that era.

Location: Eddy County

Inception: 1905

Elevation above the sea: 1,030 m

Website: http://artesianm.gov

GPS coordinates: 32.84278,-104.41222

Latest update: December 13, 2025 10:44