The city of Roswell and Chaves County have been important historical sites throughout the history of human habitation in North America. Roswell, situated at the confluence of three rivers--the Spring, the Hondo, the Pecos--was established in 1870 by Van Smith, although the first historically documented settlement (1867) in the area was a settlement of crude adobe huts at "Rio Hondo," the present day neighborhood of Chihuahuita. The Roswell and Chaves County area was contained within the original homeland of the Mescalero Apaches and overlapped the hunting grounds of the Comanche’s and became the campsite on the Goodnight-Loving Trail, which opened in 1866. The trail brought the ranching industry to the area, which flourishes to the present day.

Visitors to the city will find a plethora of cultural activities. For example, museum and art lovers of every age and interest can explore four outstanding museums: the Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art, featuring a wide ranging collection of modern art; the Roswell Museum and Art Center, with its collection of paintings by Peter Hurd, Henriette Wyeth, Georgia O’Keefe, as well as the fabulous Rogers Aston Indian Gallery; the Historical Center for Southwest New Mexico, located in the James Phelps White stately home filled with antiques, artifacts, and a changing gallery of exhibits; and the International UFO Museum, featuring UFO phenomenon exhibits and The Alien Caffeine Espresso Bar. Information for these museums can be obtained by visiting www.roswellnm.org or calling the Roswell Visitors Center at 575-624 7704.

There’s much more to do in this All-America City. If your cup of tea is stargazing and planet exploration, the Robert H. Goddard Planetarium is an exciting choice. Bird watchers and wildlife aficionados will relish trips to Bitter Lake Wildlife Refuge with its designated hunting areas and flocks of migratory fowl. The free Spring River Park and Zoo boasts animal exhibits, paved bicycle paths, a children’s fishing lake, a carousel, and a miniature train ride. Golfers will enjoy two of the finest courses in Southeast New Mexico: Cahoon Park; an 18-hole golf course open to the public, and New Mexico Military Institute’s 18-hole course also open to the public.

If you crave more athletic adventure, you’re in luck. Bottomless Lakes State Park–12 miles West of Roswell offers camping, shower, and bathroom facilities available as well as swimming, fishing, boating, and hiking. Cahoon Park Swimming Pool is Roswell’s largest outdoor pool (540,000 gallons) in a park setting with picnic facilities available, as well as lighted tennis courts. There are also three gyms in Roswell offering a variety of health services. In addition, the city offers a bowling alley.

Those who love the performing arts will not be disappointed with Roswell’s offerings. Theater lovers will delight in the Roswell Community Little Theatre performances, which occur during the fall and winter months. In addition the community is justly proud of its  Roswell Symphony Orchestra, with performances held in New Mexico Military Institute’s Pearson Auditorium. Allen Theaters, featuring 8 movie screens, bringing nationally acclaimed movies to the area.

For those who want to walk that extra mile, a broad range of architectural styles--Gothic Revival, Greek Revival, Queen Anne, Hipped Box, Spanish Pueblo, Mission Revival, Prairie Style, California Mission--await those who check out the walking tour. Maps for this walking tour are available at The Historical Center for Southeast New Mexico at 200 N. Lea & Hwy US 70 West.

For those fifty and over, Roswell offers horizon- expanding opportunities. The Senior Circle Group, the largest in the U.S. with over 3,000 members, offers activities ranging from overseas trips to an author lecture series. Complimenting this group is the Roswell Adult Center which offers over 30 activities and courses each semester taught by experts in their fields: money management, Spanish, German, line dancing, yoga, jewelry making, woodworking and more..

Enjoy your stay in Roswell, New Mexico, the Alien Capitol of the World.