Portales in Roosevelt County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Portales

Elevation 4004 ft.

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, May 3, 2012

1. Portales Marker

Inscription. Portales derives its name from the porch-like appearance of a cave entrance at nearby Portales Springs. It developed as a major peanut producing region in the early twentieth century, after the Pecos Valley Railroad opened the area for commercial agricultural development. Eastern New Mexico University was founded here in 1934.

Erected by New Mexico Historic Preservation Division.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1934.

Location. 34° 10.764′ N, 103° 20.956′ W. Marker is in Portales, New Mexico, in Roosevelt County. It is at the intersection of U.S. 70 and University Place, on the right when traveling east on U.S. 70. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Portales NM 88130, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Eastern New Mexico.

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,

the Dust Bowl,

and the Republic of Texas.

Other nearby markers. At least 6 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Eastern New Mexico University (within shouting distance of this marker); The Roosevelt County Museum (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Portales Depot (approx. 0.8 miles away); a different marker also named Portales (approx. 2½ miles away); Rose Powers White (approx. 7½ miles away); Blackwater Draw (approx. 7½ miles away).

Another marker

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is no longer nearby. The Roosevelt County Museum (was about 300 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

<i>Back of</i> Portales Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, May 3, 2012

2. Back of Portales 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, May 3, 2012

3. Portales Marker

Photographed by Jimmy Emerson, May 26, 2026

4. Portales Marker

A new marker since 2012 that has added "Population" to the text. The Roosevelt County Museum marker can be seen in the distance.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 30, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 7, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 726 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 7, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 4. submitted on May 28, 2026, by Jimmy Emerson of Dalton, Georgia. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. Photo of porch like cave entrance at Portales Springs. • Can you help?