Roswell in Chaves County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)

Justice in the Wild West

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 9, 2013

1. Justice in the Wild West Marker

Inscription.
Before the construction of the elegant courthouse that stands here today, a smaller courthouse constructed in 1890 was home to Roswell’s judicial system. In 1889, prior to construction, Captain Joseph C. Lea, Charles Eddy, and Pat Garrett (the famous former lawman), journeyed to Santa Fe where they petitioned for the creation of two new counties: Chaves (named for Colonel J. Francisco Chaves) and Eddy (named for Charles Eddy). Their petition was approved, and Roswell became the county seat of Chaves. The first county elections were held in 1890; new officials took office and organized the Chaves County government on January 1, 1891. The current courthouse was built in 1911 in celebration of New Mexico’s impending statehood.

Erected by Lawrence C. Harris, the New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs, and the 2012 Centennial Committee.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1868.

Location. 33° 23.824′ N, 104° 31.331′ W. Marker is in Roswell, New Mexico, in Chaves County. Marker can be reached from North Main Street. Marker stands in the small courtyard directly in front of the Chaves County Courthouse west entrance. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 446 North Main Street, Roswell NM 88201, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Chaves County Court House (a few steps from this marker); Chaves County Veterans War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Chaves County Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Chaves County Gulf War Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); New Mexico Navy Veterans Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); N.M. 200th Coast Artillery AA Regt. (within shouting distance of this marker); Humble Beginnings (within shouting distance of this marker); Roswell Pioneer Plaza (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Roswell.

More about this marker. The marker is engraved metal, mounted on a pedestal, in excellent condition.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. To better understand the relationship, study each marker in the order shown.

Also see . . . Chaves County Courthouse.
The Chaves County Courthouse, located on the 400 block of Main Street in Roswell, New Mexico, is the center of government of Chaves County. The courthouse was built in 1911 after Roswell's citizens learned that New Mexico would become a state the next year. (Submitted on May 8, 2014, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

1911 Chavez County Courthouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 9, 2013

2. 1911 Chavez County Courthouse

1911 Chavez County Courthouse, west entrance, as viewed from the marker.

1911 Chavez County Courthouse Dome image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, June 9, 2013

3. 1911 Chavez County Courthouse Dome

Credits. This page was last revised on September 24, 2020. It was originally submitted on May 8, 2014, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 743 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 8, 2014, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.