The Historical Center for Southeast New Mexico

James Phelps White, a well respected and active figure in agriculture, industrial, and civic life, was a modest man shunning public recognition for the many charitable deeds he did for others. Born in Gonzales, Texas in 1856, he came to Roswell in 1881 where he continued cattle ranching and became a farm developer. He died in San Antonio, Texas in 1934 at the age of 76.

His wife, Lou Tomlinson White, was born in Taylor, Texas in 1876 and with her family moved to Roswell from Ft. Worth in 1896. Lou, a charter member of the First Presbyterian Church of Roswell, was a valued contributor to Roswell's religious, civic, and social affairs. She and Mr. White married in 1903, and to this union were born J. P. Jr.; a daughter, Zoa; and twin sons, Tom and George. They raised their four children in this home, and Mrs. White continued to live here until her death in 1972 at the age of 92.

Our museum and historical center is a beautiful prairie style house built in 1912, which gives a glimpse of a simpler time when life seemed to move at a much slower pace. The first floor is furnished and decorated as it would have been in 1912 to 1920. Many of the furnishings are the originals. Several rooms on the 2nd floor have been converted into displays and exhibits of early Roswell and the surrounding area.

The archives are located in a new two story building next door. The archives contain over 11,000 photographs of the past, thousands of books and manuscripts, obituaries, newspaper articles dating back to the early 1900's and other memorabilia that depict the wild west days of the Pecos Valley. Ask us for photographs or information about Southeast New Mexico, Roswell, NM, Pecos Valley, and Chaves County.

The Historical Center for Southeast New Mexico,
200 North Lea Street
Roswell, New Mexico 88201