The Beaux Arts style courthouse was built in 1911 and dedicated in 1912 in time for New Mexico's entry into the Union as the 47th State. The courthouse is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Chaves County was created from land in Lincoln County on February 25, 1889. It was named after José Francisco Chaves, a soldier, lawyer and Representative to Congress from New Mexico Territory. He was named State Historian in 1903 and was assassinated in 1904.
Chaves County is located in the southeastern part of New Mexico. Roswell is the county seat. Dexter, Hagerman and Lake Arthur are also incorporated in Chaves County. Van C. Smith, Roswell's first postmaster, named Roswell after his father, Roswell Smith.
Roswell residents, John Chisum and John W. Poe, convinced Pat Garrett to run for sheriff, who pursued Billy the Kid and shot him.
- Chaves County Coordinator: Position Vacant
- State Coordinator: Cheryl Burbank
- Co-Assistant State Coordinator: Tom Bombaci, Jr.