Guide Note

New Mexico has a special place in American history. The 47th state admitted to the Union, it has a unique blend of cultures due its past as a part of Spain, Mexico, then as an American territory. When the Spanish settlers came, they annexed it as part of New Spain. The area then passed into Mexican control after the Mexican War of Independence. It was ceded to America after the Mexican-American War, and was established as a territory in 1850. Today there exists a strong mix of Mexican, Hispanic, Anglo and Native American cultures.

One of New Mexico's most important legacies is the Los Alamos Research Center which was established in Los Alamos in 1943 as a place for scientists to secretly develop the atomic bomb. Visitors can learn about the history of the atomic bomb at a museum dedicated to it in Los Alamos.

Fast Facts

1. Capital: Santa Fe
2. Governor: Bill Richardson
3. Population: 1,954,599 (2006)
4. Founded: 1850
5. Became a state on January 6, 1912
6. Time zone: Mountain
7. Major cities: Santa Fe, Albuquerque, Las Cruces
8. State nickname: The Land of Enchantment
9. Geography: Mountains and desert
10. Highest percentage of Hispanic Americans
11. 3rd highest percentage of Native Americans
12. Largest Native American tribes: Navajo and Pueblo
13. The Rio Grande runs through it
14. 6th most sparsely inhabited U.S. state
15. Largest city: Albuquerque
16. 5th largest state in area
17. 47th state admitted to the Union
18. Border states: Oklahoma, Texas, Colorado, Arizona
19. Makes up one of the Four Corners
20. Has no official language
21. Has no sales tax

1. Flower: Yucca
2. Bird: Roadrunner
3. Tree: Pinon
4. Mammal: Black Bear
5. Fish: Cutthroat Trout
6. Gem: Turquoise
7. Colors: Red and yellow