Roswell, city, seat of Chaves County, southeastern New Mexico, on the Rio Hondo, near its junction with the Pecos River; incorporated as a city 1903. It is a commercial center of a region that produces livestock, cotton, petroleum, and natural gas. Meat products, buses, and clothing also are produced. A large dairy and milk processing plant is here. With its mild climate, the city is also a retirement center. New Mexico Military Institute (1891), a junior college, and Roswell Museum and Art Center are here. The site was settled about 1869 and was named by one of the first settlers for his father, Roswell Smith. Cattle baron John S. Chisum established ranch headquarters nearby in 1875. Roswell was reached by railroad in 1894. Population 39,676 (1980); 44,654 (1990); 45,293 (2000).
