Historical Marker
Sierra Blanca
Sierra Blanca, a complex ancient volcano, rises more than 7,300 feet above Tularosa Basin to peak at 12,003 feet. Vertical geologic movement between ranges and basin in about 2 miles. San Andrés Mountains on west side of Tularosa Basin are uplifted on east side and tilted westward. Elevation 4,670 feet.
New Mexico played a significant role in the American Civil War, with Union and Confederate forces fighting several battles in the territory. The most famous of these was the Battle of Glorieta Pass in 1862, which ended Confederate hopes of capturing the Southwest.