Carlsbad in Eddy County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Josephine Cox "Grandma" Anderson
The Angel of the Pecos (1849-1941)
Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, May 24, 2026
1. Josephine Cox "Grandma" Anderson Marker
During the terrible "la grippe" flu epidemic of 1918, Grandma fearlessly led other women in nursing and feeding the sick in tents and shacks along the banks of the Pecos River. She did not lose a single patient, later opening a sanatorium in Carlsbad. Humanitarian, nurse, teacher; she earned the nickname "The Angel of the Pecos."
Reverse
The New Mexico Historic Women Marker Initiative was founded in 2005 by members of the New Mexico Women's Forum in a statewide effort to recognize women's contributions to New Mexico history on the state's Official Scenic Historic Markers. The Initiative ensures that women's diverse histories will be remembered and told, and will inspire and provide a guide for future generations. The 2006 Legislature funded the project.
Erected by New Mexico Historic Preservation Division.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Science & Medicine • Women. In addition, it is included in the New Mexico Womens Historic Marker Initiative series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1918.
Location. 32° 25.301′ N, 104° 12.763′ W.
this page online
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 was once New Spain, the Comancherνa, and the Republic of Texas.
Other nearby markers. At least 6 other markers are within 16 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Mother Magdalen and the Sisters of Loretto (1852 - 1968) / Carlsbad (a few steps from this marker); Carlsbad Irrigation Flume (approx. 3 miles away); Civilian Conservation Corps Carlsbad Campsite (approx. 3 miles away); a different marker also named Carlsbad Irrigation Flume (approx. 3.1 miles away); a different marker also named Carlsbad Irrigation Flume (approx. 3.2 miles away); Goodnight-Loving Trail (approx. 9.3
Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, May 24, 2026
2. Josephine Cox "Grandma" Anderson Marker Reverse
Other markers no longer nearby. Eddy County Courthouse (was approx. 0.9 miles away but has been confirmed missing); Loving's Bend (was approx. 10.9 miles away but has been permanently removed); Espejo's Trail (was approx. 15½ miles away but has been confirmed missing).
Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, May 24, 2026
3. Josephine Cox "Grandma" Anderson Marker in the foreground
Credits. This page was last revised on May 31, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 27, 2026, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. This page has been viewed 24 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 27, 2026, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. 3. submitted on May 31, 2026, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
