Historical Marker
Los Portales Springs
Nearby is Los Portales, the site of a fresh water spring located among overhanging natural formations which according to Hispanic folklore reminded Spanish explorers of porches. During the late 19th century, this spring became an important stopping place along the trail between Fort Sumner and west Texas. William “Billy the Kid” Bonney and other outlaws frequently used the spring as a hideout.
During World War II, New Mexico was the site of several top-secret military installations, including the Los Alamos National Laboratory, where the atomic bomb was developed. The laboratory is still one of the largest employers in the state and conducts research in fields such as nuclear energy and national security.