 |
 |
| |
FRIDAY
NOVEMBER 14
AND
SATURDAY
NOVEMBER 15 |
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| Not so long ago, thousands of buffalo roamed the vast
grassy plains of this southwestern corner of New Mexico,
the land we call Llano Estacado (Staked Plains). Although
many travelers passed through Lea County during the years
when Europeans were exploring the New World, these brave
souls were no match for the Native Americans who claimed
the area as their own. From Spanish conquerors of the
16th and 17th centuries, to the Mexican rulers of the
18th century, to the Buffalo Soldiers of the post-Civil
War era, to the fearless cowboys of the 19th century,
all were daunted by the endless horizons of the landscape
and by the skills and brilliant tactics of the native
people who resisted the onslaught of these invaders.
Fortunately, though, remnants of these former civilizations
still remain in Lea County's museums, folklore, and anthropological
digs. Much of the land is still as wild and untamed as
it was when the nomadic Comanche and Apaches called it
home. Arrowheads and pottery shards still lie undisturbed
just below the surface of the ground, a paradise for
amateur archeologists. In fact, North America's most
ancient pre-historic human probably hunted bison and
mammoth in and around Lea County at least 15,000 years
ago. Both the Clovis Man and the Folsom Man left the
spear points here. |
 |
|
 |
Lea County's present wealth, though, is more dependent
of events that took place long before the humans made
and appearance. About 250 million years ago, the Llano
Estacado was submerged underwater.
As this shallow, inland sea slowly evaporated, the
dying sea left behind layer after layer of dead marine
life, resulting in huge oil and natural gas reserves
that have made Lea County one of the richest centers
of natural resources in the world. Later geological
changes would add an even more importance resource
to the Llano Estacado: The Ogallala aquifer, a huge,
underground lake of cold, pure, filtered pristine water. |
|
Although the Native Americans cleverly hid this
secret source of water for many years, with stubborn
determination, the early pioneers eventually discovered
this essential source of life. By the 1800s, Lea County
had become a haven for big cattle ranchers who settled
near the scattered watering holes. They were quickly
followed, however, by the even more tenacious homesteaders,
who learned that plentiful water existed just a few
feet below ground; hence, ubiquitous windmills now
dot the landscape. Many ranchers in Lea County still
depend on these windmills to water their herds. While
the never-ending procession of settlers brought stability
and permanent encampments to the Llano Estacado, the
Southwest remained a place of fiercely independent
and self-sufficient people. In fact, New Mexico was
not even admitted to statehood until 1912, making it
the 47th state to join the Union and one of the last
to relinquish its association with the wilderness frontier.
Even after statehood, Lea County resisted urbanization
and remains a retreat for those who crave a little
elbow room and prefer the peaceful, wide open spaces
reminiscent of the bygone days to the smog, noise,
and crime of the more populated areas. Today, Lea County
reflects its pioneer spirit. While traditional occupations
still thrive, such as farming, ranching, and drilling,
opportunities abound for the entrepreneur looking for
a new beginning. Ideal weather, friendly neighbors,
and an affordable cost of living make this area a great
place to live, play, and work. |
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
