This historical marker is on the west side of US Highway 285 north of the city of Artesia. The marker reads, "Artesia. Population 10,385. Elevaton 3,350. Artesia, named for the area's many artesian wells, lies on the route of the Pecos Valley cattle trails used by Charles Goodnight, Oliver Loving, and John S. Chisum. The town, established in 1903, is located what was once part of Chisum's vast cattle empire." Unfortunately, the aquifer became significantly depleted in the 1920s. Artesia is home to the former Abo Elementary School, identified by One Nation Underground as the first and most likely only public school which is entirely underground and equipped to function as a fallout shelter. The school, completed in 1962, had a concrete slab roof which served as the school's playground. It contained a large storage facility with room for supplies for 2000 people in the event of nuclear warfare. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999. The Artesia Restaurant and Hotel is prominently featured as a location in the film The Man Who Fell to Earth starring David Bowie. Apollo 14 astronaut Edgar Mitchell identifies Artesia as his hometown. [Review 17441 overall - 54 in New Mexico - 959 of 2022.] read more

Artesia Historical Marker - Artesia Historical Marker (front) - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me - Artesia, New Mexico

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