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

Carlsbad Irrigation Flume

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, October 26, 2012

1. Carlsbad Irrigation Flume Marker

Inscription.
The massive concrete flume in the distance carries water from the Pecos River to irrigate much of the farmland in this area. It is a vital link in an extensive irrigation system which made possible development of the region's agricultural resources. A wooded flume constructed in 1890 washed away in 1902 and was replaced by the more substantial concrete structure in 1903.

Erected by New Mexico Historic Preservation Division.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce • Natural Resources. A significant historical year for this entry is 1890.

Location. 32° 26.696′ N, 104° 15.459′ W. Marker is in Carlsbad, New Mexico, in Eddy County. It is at the intersection of Westridge Drive (U.S. 285) and Callaway Drive, on the right when traveling east on Westridge Drive. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Carlsbad NM 88220, 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.

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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 6 other markers are within 14 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: A different marker also named Carlsbad Irrigation Flume (approx. ¼ mile away); Civilian Conservation Corps Carlsbad Campsite (approx. ¼ mile away); a different marker also named Carlsbad Irrigation Flume (approx. ¼ mile away); Mother Magdalen and the Sisters of Loretto (1852 - 1968) / Carlsbad (approx. 3.1 miles away); Josephine Cox "Grandma" Anderson (approx. 3.1 miles away); Goodnight-Loving Trail (approx. 12.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Carlsbad.

Other markers no longer nearby. Eddy County Courthouse (was approx. 2.4 miles away but has been confirmed missing); Loving's Bend (was approx. 13.8 miles away but has been permanently removed).

More about this marker. There are 3 identical "Irrigation Flume" markers, all within a 1/2 mile radius. The other two are on US 285 in front

<i>Back of </i>Carlsbad Irrigation Flume Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, October 26, 2012

2. Back of Carlsbad Irrigation Flume 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.

of Lowe's and the Travelodge Motel.

Photographed by Tina Mischke, October 9, 2020

3. Carlsbad Irrigation Flume Marker

The marker is now at its new location on Westridge Drive at Heritage Park.

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, October 26, 2012

4. Carlsbad Irrigation Flume Marker

Carlsbad Irrigation Flume image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, October 26, 2012

5. Carlsbad Irrigation Flume

An additional marker on the Carlsbad Irrigation Flume image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tina Mischke, October 9, 2020

6. An additional marker on the Carlsbad Irrigation Flume

The Flume Originally built of wood in 1890. A concrete flume replaced the wooden structure after it was washed away in a 1902 flood. At the time of its 1903 construction, it was the largest concrete structure in the world. In 1904, a major flood destroyed every dam and bridge in the valley. Only the concrete flume survived. Over 100 years later, the aqueduct is still in use today carrying Pecos River water from Lake Avalon across the river as part of the Carlsbad Irrigation District. The flume was once featured in Ripley's Believe It or Not as the river the crosses itself. The flume provides water to an extensive irrigation system which helps to irrigate farmland in the area and develop the region’s agricultural resources.

Photographed by Tina Mischke, October 9, 2020

7. Carlsbad Irrigation Flume

Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, May 24, 2026

8. Carlsbad Irrigation Flume Marker

Flume marker on the left, CCC Carlsbad Campsite marker on right, in Heritage Park

Reverse of Carlsbad Irrigation Flume Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, May 24, 2026

9. Reverse of Carlsbad Irrigation Flume Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 4, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 28, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,845 times since then and 183 times this year. Last updated on May 31, 2026, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 28, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 3. submitted on October 9, 2020, by Tina Mischke of Blank, Alaska. 4, 5. submitted on November 28, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 6, 7. submitted on October 9, 2020, by Tina Mischke of Blank, Alaska. 8. submitted on May 28, 2026, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. 9. submitted on May 31, 2026, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.