Historical Marker
Organ Mountains
The spectacular Organ Mountain to the east tower over the water-rich Río Grande Valley. High sharp peaks and massive cliffs of igneous rocks are part of ancient volcanos. Copper, silver, gold, lead and zinc were mined from the Organ Mining District at the north end of the mountains. Basin and Range country is to the west. Elevation 4,190 feet.
New Mexico was one of the last territories to become a state, gaining statehood in 1912. Before that, it had been part of the Spanish Empire, Mexico, and the United States Territory of New Mexico.