Located on the pavement in front of a local bank, this statue honors Sallie Chisum. It is bronze and shows her apparently teaching two children to read. It is separate from the historical marker east of town, https://www.yelp.com/biz/sallie-chisum-robert-historical-marker-artesia?hrid=xqeMSd9uyCCRforGINtxkQ. The niece of famed cattleman John Chisum, Sallie Chisum settled in Artesia in 1890, where her ambition and fierce independence led her into many endeavors. Her accomplishments as an entrepreneur, developer and businesswoman led her to be known posthumously as the First Lady of Artesia. The monument, created by Robert Summers, was unveiled and dedicated to the spirit of the pioneer woman in July 2003. There is street parking where you can leave your car while you check out this lovely statue of a great woman. [Review 17439 overall - 52 in New Mexico - 957 of 2022.] read more

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