Tatum, New Mexico

Tatum is located 21 miles north of Lovington, New Mexico. It was built on land that was formerly part of the LFD Four Lakes Ranch. It was named for homesteader James Green Tatum who built the first general store in 1909. The Post Office was established December 9, 1909 which continues to serve Tatum . Mattie G. Tatum was the first postmaster. In June of 1910, George D. Bilderback moved his family to Tatum where he built an adobe mercantile store in the spring of 1911. The same year Dr. Charles Bridges and his family arrived in Tatum and he established the first medical practice.

The first school was built in the fall of 1912 with Belle Norton the first teacher. John J. Seal established the first blacksmith shop in 1913. He also was elected the first Justice of the peace.

The "Plains Democrat" was the first newspaper for Tatum. It was operated by Joseph U. Williams. The first issue was put out August 5, 1913.

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