Clovis / Curry County Chamber of Commerce, Clovis, New Mexico

Clovis History

In Clovis, we understand the importance of the words; family, tradition, hospitality and optimism. Whether a Hollywood movies was being filmed at the local schools or our very own Cannon Air Force Base was on the verge of being closed, both the town of Clovis and the supportive people that have help build it, have always had strong moral character and personal perseverance to help the people of Clovis become the cultivative town it is today.

Santa Fe RailroadBack in 1907, the Santa Fe Railroad began its first transcontinental traffic through an open prairie of land, which is now known as Clovis, New Mexico. Little did the Santa Fe Railway know that the stretch of farming land would become the booming town it is almost 100 years later.

In 1906 Santa Fe Railway engineers were ordered to locate a town-site in the newly developing ranch and farm area of Eastern New Mexico—to select the first level section of land west of Texico for their terminal and shops on the Belen cut-off. They looked upon an unending sea of waving prairie grass reaching to the horizon in every direction and chose the site original Clovis, just northwest of an existing rail switch, known as Riley Switch. Rail construction westward through the area and into the central part of the state was undertaken in 1903, and was turned to the operating department in July, 1908.

Many people believe that Clovis got its name from the oldest accepted culture in the New World, the "Clovis Man." But it is the other way around, the "Clovis Man" received its name after bones, tools and spear points were discovered in 1929 in the archeological site known as Blackwater Draw, which is located just outside of town.

Actually, Clovis was named by a daughter of a railroad official who was studying the first Christian king, "King Clovis," of the Franks who ruled in Europe in the 5th century. "Clovis" was officially incorporated in May 1909.

Clovis Dusk

In 1942, world-renowned Cannon Air Force Base became part of our open-armed community. Since then Clovis has stepped into a diversified economy that spurred the growth of our modern colleges, healthcare facilities, and businesses second to none. This past year proved to try this loyal community when Cannon was put on the BRAC closure list, along with several other Air Force Bases. But through strong support and perseverance of the whole community "Operation Keep Canon" went into full force. After 100s of letters and phone calls to political figures, countless volunteer hours, and amazing support, Cannon Air Force Base was officially removed from the BRAC list on June 20, 2006 and Cannon received a new special operations assignment. Now "Operation Kept Cannon" banners are proudly shown throughout town as an everlasting tribute to how proud we are of our local soldiers.

The quality of life, the quality of people and newcomers with new innovative ideas, has been the secret that has made Clovis, New Mexico a special place to live, whether you are raising a family, horses, cows or a farm. To look back to our first pioneers and understand their hardships gives meaning to our lives in knowing the work ethic has been instilled in us who are living today and enjoying the fruits of our labor. Not only that, but newcomers are always amazed at how friendly we are!

Clovis' population is about 35,000 and the major sources of income in the county are agricultural and related industries, Cannon Air Force Base, Santa Fe Railroad and the Clovis retail trade industry. Altitude at Clovis is 4,266 feet with a mean temperature of 57.4 degrees. Annual rainfall is 17.51 inches. The high altitude and dry air makes our climate pleasant and hard to beat. Clovis welcomes anyone and everyone to visit, shop, eat and relax. "You'll like it so much, you'll never want to leave!!"