Roswell in Chaves County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Roswell’s First General Store and Post Office
Photographed By Michael Herrick, April 3, 2017
1. Roswell’s First General Store and Post Office Marker
Roswell’s first general store and post office stood near this spot. The building was constructed by Van C. Smith in 1870 and hosted a somewhat famous postmaster, Ash Upton, who was a political player in the Lincoln County War and the ghost writer of Pat Garrett’s The Authentic Life of Billy the Kid . Van C. Smith named the town Roswell in May 1872 after his father Roswell Smith. The post office opened in August 1873. Although Smith founded Roswell, Captain Joseph C. Lea, wo later acquired the post office, is credited with Roswell’s early prosperity. The general store was remodeled and expanded over the years. Some of the original walls were still standing in 1997 when this block was demolished to make room for Pioneer Plaza, named for the “Pioneer Block” of commercial buildings built by John W. Poe circa 1905-1909.
Funding support provided by Lawrence C. Harris, the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs, and the 2012 Centennial Committee
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Postal Mail and Philately series list.
Location. 33° 23.8′ N, 104° 31.378′ W. Marker is in Roswell, New Mexico
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. New Mexico Navy Veterans Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); John Simpson Chisum (within shouting distance of this marker); Humble Beginnings (within shouting distance of this marker); Roswell Pioneer Plaza (within shouting distance of this marker); Chaves County Veterans War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Justice in the Wild West (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Roswell's Military Institutes (about 300 feet away); Continental Oil Company Station 1 (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Roswell.
Also see . . .
1. City of Roswell. (Submitted on April 18, 2017, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
2. Roswell, New Mexico on Wikipedia. (Submitted on April 18, 2017, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.)
Photographed By Michael Herrick, April 3, 2017
2. Roswell’s First General Store and Post Office Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on June 15, 2017. It was originally submitted on April 18, 2017, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut. This page has been viewed 420 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 18, 2017, by Michael Herrick of Southbury, Connecticut.
