WELCOME to the City of Jal, New Mexico.  We hope you enjoy your visit with us.  Learn about our city, our people, and just good 'ole New Mexico hospitality.

We call Jal, the Gateway to the Land of Enchantment because when you enter New Mexico in the extreme southeast corner, we will be the first spot you visit.  MAP  

Jal had it's beginnings in the mid 1880's when the Cowden brothers bought a herd of cattle from San Angelo, Texas and moved them into Monument Draw, approximately six miles northeast of the present city.  The cattle were branded with the initials of the previous owner (J.A.L.) and the cattle soon came to be called the JAL Cattle.  The men who worked the herd were referred to as the Jal cowboys.  In time the name became synonymous with the settlement itself.

When oil and gas were discovered in 1928, Jal became a thriving boomtown.  With the establishment of Texas Company (later renamed to Texaco), El Paso Natural Gas Company and The Continental Oil Company, Jal proclaimed itself the "Gas Capital" of the nation.  Oil and gas are still the major industries in Jal, although ranching remains a small but significant part of the area's economy.

Today Jal boasts a population of 1,800.  Among Jal's special attractions is Jal Lake State Park, which is the centerpiece of a 10 acre recreational oasis in the middle of the desert.  The man made lake, when viewed from the air, actually spells out the name of the city (Jal) and resembles the cattle brand which inspired the city's name. PICTURE  Jal Lake has become an important landmark for pilots as they fly overhead, and is periodically stocked with fish which provides year-round fishing to the residents.  The recreation area also has tennis courts, a basketball court, playground equipment, and sand volleyball.  There are also picnic pavilions, barbeque pits, and RV spaces available.

People from all over southern Lea County gather at Jal Lake for their annual Fourth of July celebration and the Annual Jalarama Chili Cook Challenge and Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show. More about Jalarama!

It is our pleasure to invite you to be part of our community!  We offer a friendly, caring, small town atmosphere that is a great place to live, work and raise a family.

Jal has many things to offer.  Affordable housing, along with low utility and tax rates keep the cost-of-living down.  Plans are in the works for development of two NEW housing subdivisions. More about NEW Housing Subdivisions  The City offers an outstanding police force, volunteer fire department and emergency medical service. We have recently remodeled two of our four city parks, and are nearing completion of a $1.2 million water line replacement project. Jal Lake also provides a wildlife sanctuary for a large variety of birds, including red wing blackbirds, ducks, geese, and an ever-changing population of migratory birds including herons, pelicans, swans, and seagulls.  These birds have all enjoyed the welcome haven of Jal Lake.

Jal also offers three other city parks to residents and visitors alike, and summer access to the Jal High School indoor pool, and public use of the school's walking track and tennis courts.  The Jal Country Club has a terrific nine-hole golf course, as well as a swimming pool, and game room for club members. More about the Country Club! Jal is the home of many church denominations, and we are confident you can find a church home within our city.  Be sure to visit our church directory!

North of town is the Jal Cowboy Sculpture created and built by local artist Brian Norwood.  This sculpture honors not only the ranchers who still work the land in Lea County, but also the ranchers who originally settled this area.  More about "The Trail Ahead" We hope you will check out more about Jal, New Mexico...

Browse our site and see why we are proud to call Jal, NM our home, 
and know you would be proud to call Jal your home too!