New Mexico

New Mexico was the country we entered with such trepidation.
Sheila Rowbotham in Promise of a Dream
New Mexico, located in the southwestern United States, boasts a rich history characterized by a convergence of Native American, Hispanic, and Anglo cultures. It was inhabited by various indigenous peoples for thousands of years before Spanish colonization in the 16th century. The region became part of New Spain's territory and later Mexico, until it was ceded to the United States following the Mexican-American War in 1848. The arrival of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway in the late 19th century spurred economic growth, and New Mexico became a U.S. state in 1912. The state's unique blend of traditions, along with its stunning landscapes and vibrant arts scene, has shaped its identity as a crossroads of cultures and a place of natural beauty.
Brief timeline of the history of the state of New Mexico:

  • 12,000 BCE: Evidence of early human habitation in the region, with Paleo-Indian cultures hunting and gathering in present-day New Mexico.
  • 1540: Spanish explorer Francisco Vázquez de Coronado leads an expedition into New Mexico in search of the legendary Seven Cities of Gold.
  • 1598: Spanish conquistador Juan de Oñate establishes the first Spanish settlement in New Mexico, called San Juan de los Caballeros, near present-day Ohkay Owingeh.
  • 1680: The Pueblo Revolt, led by Native American leader Popé, results in the expulsion of Spanish colonizers from New Mexico for over a decade.
  • 1692: Spanish forces, led by Diego de Vargas, reoccupy Santa Fe, marking the beginning of the Spanish colonial period.
  • 1821: Mexico gains independence from Spain, and New Mexico becomes a territory of Mexico.
  • 1846: During the Mexican-American War, the United States military occupies New Mexico, which eventually leads to the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848, ending the war and ceding New Mexico to the United States.
  • 1912: New Mexico becomes the 47th state of the United States.
  • Late 1930s: The Manhattan Project, a top-secret U.S. government project to develop atomic weapons, establishes facilities in Los Alamos, New Mexico, leading to significant scientific and technological advancements.
  • 1947: The Roswell UFO incident occurs, sparking decades of speculation and conspiracy theories surrounding the alleged crash of an unidentified flying object near Roswell, New Mexico.
  • 1980: The city of Santa Fe becomes the state capital of New Mexico, replacing the previous capital, Las Vegas.
  • 2008: The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History is opened in Albuquerque, showcasing the history and science behind nuclear energy and weapons.
  • Today, New Mexico is known for its rich cultural heritage, including Native American Pueblo communities, vibrant arts and crafts, and a blend of Spanish, Mexican, and Native American traditions. The state also boasts stunning natural landscapes, such as the Carlsbad Caverns, White Sands National Park, and the Gila Wilderness.