Portales, Southeast Region of New Mexico
Portales, Southeast Region of New Mexico

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Portales

Southeast region of New MexicoPortales is an agricultural community on the high plains of the Llano Estacado (Staked Plains). Roosevelt County is called “The Peanut Capitol of the World,” and the Portales Valley is one of the largest producers of Valencia peanuts west of the Mississippi. This is also home to Eastern New Mexico University, the third largest university in the state.

The city's downtown area is centered around a traditional town square, descending from Spanish urban design. The center of the town square includes the 1930s WPA-style Roosevelt County Courthouse, including original architectural details from the era. The Courthouse Square is ringed with active retail shops. The Yam Theater, a historic theater located in the Downtown area, is currently under renovation. Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU), forms a sizable district with its campus and surrounding residential stock catering to students. Portales has 30 religious institutions and is home to 32 civic organizations. Varied arts and cultural offerings eminate from Eastern New Mexico University, the third largest state university. Portales ranks in the top 20% of US cities for racial diversity, percentage of college educated adults, and percentage of people who walk or bike to work. Portales rates in the top 10% of US cities for "short commute", rent affordability, and low taxes

Clovis Man inhabited the Blackwater area north of Portales until 11,000 years ago. The Blackwater Draw Museum and Blackwater Archeological site are two of the most visited locations in the region. During Spanish rule in the 1600s, this area of New Mexico was named the "Llano Estacado" or "staked plains", a possible reference to the prominent and imposing yucca plants that dot the flat horizon of the Southwestern High Plains. Comanches ruled the area for part of the 1800s, but did not stay in one place.

The US territorial settlement of Portales occurred in the late 1800s as cattle herders discovered a water source emanating from a rocky ledge resembling a Spanish porch. The local watering hole took on the name "Portales", and a few settlers began ranching nearby. The City of Portales was formally established in 1909 with the arrival of the railroad to the Southwestern High Plains. The first Mayor of Portales was Washington Ellsworth Lindsey, who went on later to become a state Governor of New Mexico.

The town developed in an orderly fashion through the early 1900s. Eastern New Mexico University was established in 1934 as the teacher's college. The Great Depression brought several important WPA construction projects including the Eastern New Mexico University Administration Building, Downtown Portales Post Office, and Roosevelt County Courthouse. All three are buildings are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

CONTACTS: Chamber of Commerce: (800) 635-8036; (505) 356-8541; 356-8542 Fax; chamber@portales.com; City Manager (Permits): 356-6662; 356-3158 Fax

Portales
Portales, NM 88130
www.portales.com