New Mexico is a state of high desert, adobe cities, Indigenous nations, mountains, art, and deep cultural continuity.
15 Essential Facts About New Mexico
1. New Mexico became the 47th state on January 6, 1912.
New Mexico became the 47th state on January 6, 1912.
2. Santa Fe is the capital and Albuquerque is the largest city.
Santa Fe is the capital and Albuquerque is the largest city.
3. The Land of Enchantment is its official nickname.
The Land of Enchantment is its official nickname.
4. Santa Fe is among the oldest capitals in the United States.
Santa Fe is among the oldest capitals in the United States.
5. The state motto is Crescit eundo: It grows as it goes.
The state motto is Crescit eundo: It grows as it goes.
6. Native American nations remain central to New Mexico’s identity.
Native American nations remain central to New Mexico’s identity.
7. The Pueblo peoples have lived in the region for centuries.
The Pueblo peoples have lived in the region for centuries.
8. Spanish colonial history is deeply visible in architecture and culture.
Spanish colonial history is deeply visible in architecture and culture.
9. The Rio Grande crosses the state.
The Rio Grande crosses the state.
10. White Sands protects a vast gypsum dune field.
White Sands protects a vast gypsum dune field.
11. Carlsbad Caverns contains spectacular underground chambers.
Carlsbad Caverns contains spectacular underground chambers.
12. Los Alamos was central to the Manhattan Project.
Los Alamos was central to the Manhattan Project.
13. New Mexico is a major center for art and adobe architecture.
New Mexico is a major center for art and adobe architecture.
14. Chile is a defining ingredient in local cuisine.
Chile is a defining ingredient in local cuisine.
15. New Mexico blends desert, mountains, Indigenous nations, and layered histories.
New Mexico blends desert, mountains, Indigenous nations, and layered histories.