Many Native American tribes once lived in and around the area that would become Deming and Luna County. Among these were the Mimbres and Casas Grandes cultures, who left behind numerous artifacts of their lives. A large collection of these can be seen on permanent display at the Deming – Luna Mimbres Museum.
When the United States obtained this land due to the treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo and the subsequent Gadsden Purchase of 1853, this area was an important port of entry along the border between the U.S. and Mexico.
The city was finally founded in 1881 – the same year that the silver spike was driven here to commemorate the union of the Southern Pacific Railroad with the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe railroads, resulting in the Second Transcontinental Railroad.
The city was given the name “Deming” in honor of Mary Ann Deming Crocker, the wife of Charles Crocker, one of the four major entrepreneurs behind the Central Pacific Railroad. At the time of its founding, Deming was nicknamed “New Chicago” by some locals who expected that, due to its location as a railroad hub, the city would grow to be as large as Chicago, Illinois. Although Deming never quite reached the size of that metropolis, it did rapidly grow into a major trade and shipping center for agriculture, livestock and mining operations in the region.
Average high temperatures in Eagle Nest reach only 78 degrees Fahrenheit in July, the warmest month of the year. Average lows dip to 26 degrees in January. The monthly precipitation average is .95 inch. Annual snowfall averages five inches.
Nine public schools offer education to local students from Kindergarden up through the end of high school. Higher education is provided by two institutions that can be reached within an hour’s drive – New Mexico State University’s main campus and New Mexico State University – Dona Ana.
Mimbres Memorial Hospital serves local health care needs.
Deming Municipal Airport provides air taxi services around the region.
The people of Deming recently transformed an old gravel pit into an impressive outdoor facility called Voiers Pit Park. It features a huge, modern amphitheater and a mile-long exercise trail available to anyone, regardless of age.
The Deming area is a veritable wonderland for rock and mineral enthusiasts. The presence of Rockhound State Park is a testament to that fact. Established in 1966, Rockhound State Park was the first park in the country to allow private collectors to remove up to 15 pounds of mineral specimens and semi-precious stones for personal use. Some of these rocks come in the form of geodes and thunder eggs – specimens that initially seem common on the outside, but when cut open, reveal a wealthy of beauty.
Amateur geologists will find the nearby City of Rocks State Park to be just as compelling an experience as Rockhound. Located north of Deming, the City of Rocks was formed from volcanic ash that welded together nearly 35 million years ago, which was then sculpted by wind and water erosion into a collection of monolithic rocks. Formations like this one only exist in six other spots in the world. Camping facilities, hiking and biking trails, birding opportunities and a fantastic night sky round out the City of Rocks experience.
There’s even more to explore in and around Deming what we’ve listed here. Contact us today to learn more about our region and the properties we currently have available. We’re confident that we provide the help you need.