Carlsbad and Carlsbad Caverns

Images of America: New Mexico

by Donna Blake Birchell, Southeastern New Mexico Historical Society, Carlsbad Public Library

Created by the visionary Charles B. Eddy, Carlsbad rose from the humble beginnings of a tent city to become a vital community on the banks of the Pecos River. One of the largest irrigation projects known at that time made the transformation possible. The Carlsbad Caverns, discovered by James Larkin White and documented by local photographer Ray V. Davis, introduced the world to the wonders that lay beneath the desert surface. World War II saw Carlsbad members of the 200th and 515th Coast Artillery units being thrown into the midst of the Bataan Death March. With the discovery of a large deposit of potash east of town, agriculture flourished nationwide and prosperity returned to the town. As the country moved into the nuclear age, Carlsbad once again played a significant role. The detonation of the Gnome Project in 1961 and the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant of the present day have provided the country with vital knowledge and nuclear waste storage.

128 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2010

Reviews

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

My husband bought me this book while we visited the Carlsbad Caverns and I started reading it that very night. It has always been a dream of mine to visit the Carlsbad Caverns, he made it possible. It is a magnificent sight, I was speechless and the journey through the cavern left me breathless.

Though the book features the caverns, the discovery and the history, it is only a fraction of the book. Most of the book features the history of the town, the surrounding towns and historical figures. I would have loved if the book was more about the caverns but, I did enjoy the history lesson.

[Nranger7 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I pick up these Images of America books every time I travel. Went to Carlsbad Caverns a few months ago and bought this one. I was just passing through and other than visiting the caverns I didn't spend much time in the area. It was interesting learning about the town and surrounding communities. The chapter that covered the caverns was a bit repetitive but had some neat pics showing how visitors used to get down into the caverns before trails and elevators were put in. Also early pics of people climbing all over the structures as they didn't know that would destroy the cave. If you just want a book about the caverns, I do not recommend this.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was well put together. I enjoyed learning some historical information for the area. I had hoped for more information about the caves, it only had one chapter on them.

[Reid · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good overview of the area with local history flare. Fun older photos.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating history but was hoping for a bit more about the development of the caves as an attraction over the years.

[Allison Potter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got this book on vacation and really enjoyed reading about the history of the area.