New Mexico Atlas

New Mexico facts and history plus travel and tourism information.

Capital: Santa Fe
Abbreviations: NM (postal), N.Mex.
Area: 121,598 square miles
State Bird: Roadrunner
State Tree: Nut Pine
State Flower: Yucca Flower
State Motto: Crescit Eundo - It grows as it goes
Nickname: The Land of Enchantment

Located in southwestern United States, New Mexico's topography ranges from desert country near Texas in the east and scenic alpine country in the north to rugged Gila National Forest lands in the southwest.

In 1540, Spanish explorer Francisco Vasquez de Coronado searched the New Mexico area for gold, with no luck. Around 1600, Spanish settlers established Santa Fe as well as settlements along the Rio Grande, a major river that runs north-south through the state. Mexico won independence from Spain in 1821, and New Mexico was ruled by Mexico for several short years before becoming a US territory following the US-Mexican War. New Mexico finally entered the Union as the 47th state on January 6, 1912.

The first atomic bomb was tested in New Mexico in 1945, and scientific research continues to fuel the state's economy. Cattle ranches, chile pepper farms, and recreation are other major industries. New Mexico's history attracts tourists, who may visit Native American cliff dwellings and pueblos, explore the state's Spanish history, or visit Albuquerque, the state's largest city.

New Mexico Map

New Mexico Links

1. New Mexico Government - official New Mexico state website.
2. New Mexico Tourism Department - New Mexico travel and tourism.
3. National Parks in New Mexico
4. New Mexico QuickFacts - from the US Census Bureau.
5. 50States.com - New Mexico

New Mexico Resources

• New Mexico Real Estate - real estate information about New Mexico.
• New Mexico Colleges and Universities - higher education institutions in New Mexico.
• New Mexico Libraries - list of libraries in New Mexico.

New Mexico History and Geography