Artesia in Eddy County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Castaño de Sosa’s Route

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, October 26, 2012

1. Castaño de Sosa’s Route Marker

Inscription. In 1590-91 Gaspar Castaño de Sosa, a Portuguese by birth, took an expedition up the Pecos River in an attempt to establish a colony in New Mexico. His venture was a failure, but it led to a permanent settlement under Don Juan de Oñate in 1598. Castaño de Sosa passed near here in winter of 1590.

Erected by New Mexico Historic Preservation Division.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Exploration • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1598.

Location. 32° 48.542′ N, 104° 23.715′ W. Marker is in Artesia, New Mexico, in Eddy County. It is on U.S. 285 at milepost 67, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Artesia NM 88210, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in New Mexico’s Pecos Valley. It is also in the American Southwest,

on the Great Plains,

on the Southern Plains,

and specifically on the High Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what

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was once New Spain,

the Comanchería,

and the Republic of Texas.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The Mauldin-Hall House (approx. 2 miles away); The Gesler House (approx. 2 miles away); The Atkeson-Conner House (approx. 2.1 miles away); Abo Elementary School and Fallout Shelter (approx. 2.1 miles away); The Lukins House (approx. 2.2 miles away); First Lady of Artesia (approx. 2.3 miles away); The Baskin House (approx. 2.3 miles away); El Vaquero (approx. 2.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Artesia.

<i>Back of </i>Castaño de Sosa’s Route Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, October 26, 2012

2. Back of Castaño de Sosa’s Route Marker

Points of Interest
New Mexico's Historic Markers typically have a map on the back side showing the location of other OSHM's. This is an excellent source of information when exploring for other Historical Markers and locations.

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, October 26, 2012

3. Castaño de Sosa’s Route Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on November 7, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 28, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 1,495 times since then and 89 times this year. Last updated on July 30, 2025, by Bill Wingate of Albuquerque, New Mexico. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 28, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.