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

Welcome to Artesia

Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, May 24, 2026

1. Welcome to Artesia Marker

Inscription. Inspired by a vintage travel postcard, artist Michael Fish created his own modern version in November 2021. The words were changed from "Greetings from" to "Welcome to Artesia" as the mural sits at the entry point into the Downtown District and quite literally welcomes you to town.

The design elements highlight aspects of Artesia's history and culturally significant landmarks, noteworthy individuals, and flora and fauna native to Southeast New Mexico, and include the two wells most important to Artesia's economy: artesian wells for farming & ranching, and the Illinois #3 well that launched the commercial oil & gas industry.

Artesia's Arts & Cultural District, a program of Artesia MainStreet, is based on community and collaborations. Our mission is to develop and promote Artesia's artistic, cultural and historical traditions to create a vibrant downtown district for everyone to enjoy.

Erected by Artesia Main Street.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Arts, Letters, Music • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 2021.

Location. 32° 50.552′ N, 104° 23.895′ W.

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Marker is in Artesia, New Mexico, in Eddy County. It is on West Main Street (U.S. 82), on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 116 W Main St, 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 was once New Spain,

the Comanchería,

and the Republic of Texas.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: El Vaquero (within shouting distance of this marker); The Goodnight-Loving Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); The Cattle Drive (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Cowboy's Gear (about 300 feet away); Independent Spirit (about 300 feet away); Ranchers' Brands (about 300 feet away); First Lady of Artesia (about 400 feet away); The Baskin Building (about 800 feet away).

Welcome to Artesia Marker and Mural image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, May 24, 2026

2. Welcome to Artesia Marker and Mural

Touch for a list and map of all markers in Artesia.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 30, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 28, 2026, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. This page has been viewed 13 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 28, 2026, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.