New Mexico is home to one of the closest presidential votes in recent history, when during the Bush v. Gore 2000 election it came down to 366 votes, even less than Florida despite popular belief. In 1960, it was declared a National Historic Landmark. A third of New Mexicans speak Spanish while at home. 12. Smokey Bear was invented in New Mexico after the Capitan Gap fire of 1950, which burned 17,000 acres of land. Source: sanmiguelchapel.org, Image: Wikimedia, Santa Fe is the perfect city in New Mexico for Sunseekers.

While New Mexico ranks first in alcohol related automobile crashes, it ranks 25th in crash fatalities. New Mexico soon had a higher percentage of people with Ph.D.s than any other state. The road less traveled in New Mexico: the paved one. The Palace of the Governors in Santa Fe is the oldest government building in the nation. 24. Source: britannica.com, Image: oneheadlightink.com, Valles Caldera is an inactive volcano just 50 miles away from Santa Fe. However, there are also new awesome things happening there every day. The Gila National Forest is the largest in the country. 19. It was originally founded as La Villa Real de la Santa Fe de San Francisco de Asis, but its name was changed in 1610.

5. Source: Wikipedia, Image: Wikimedia, Yes! 44. 9. Doc Holliday operated a dental office and a saloon and gambling hall in Las Vegas before moving on to Tombstone.

Santa Fe is a charter city; it is not administered by the general law. 46. Hundreds of highly educated Scientists and Engineers moved in the state. Colfax County’s NRA Whittington Center is the most comprehensive shooting range in the country. The Palace of the Governors in Santa Fe is the oldest government building in the nation. Source: innofthegovernors.com, Image: Pixabay, In the 1846 Mexican American War, Senta Fe was captured by the United States on August 15, 1846. The leaves of the Yucca, New Mexico’s state flower, can be used to make rope, baskets and sandals. One of the reasons the Yucca is New Mexico’s state flower is due to its high level of utility, functioning as a material for baskets, ropes, and footwear. Nearly 3/4 of the state's roads are dirt or caliche. Interesting facts about New Mexico. Elizabethtown, now a ghost town in Colfax County, was the first incorporated town in New Mexico. Las Vegas provided 21 Rough Riders to Teddy Roosevelt in 1898, most of whom were at his side during the famed charge up San Juan Hill. Once you visit, you’ll never want to leave. 15. White Sands National Monument is a desert, not of sand, but of gleaming white gypsum crystals. Dancing while wearing your sombrero is illegal in New Mexico. During the exploration of North America, Spanish laid the foundation of their culture and tradition in Santa Fe. Interesting Facts ; PHOTO GALLERIES; Colonized by Spain, the land that is now New Mexico became U.S. territory as part oft he Gadsen Purchase in 1853, though New Mexico …
Source: Wikipedia, In 2012, CBS MoneyWatch listed Santa Fe among the 10 best places to retire in the United States. Carlsbad Caverns are truly massive, with one chamber alone stretching over 3,000 feet with a height at some places of 22 stories. The World Shovel Race Championship is held every year in Angel Fire, N.M. 10. Theropoda were primarily carnivorous but were also herbivores, omnivores, piscivores and insectivores. New Mexico is a state in the Southwestern Region of the United States. In 1909, it was converted to the Palace of the Governors History Museum which houses exhibits on Spanish, Mexican, and American colonization dating back to the late 1500’s. 14. Your email address will not be published. Most of the people prefer Opera music. 28. Bob Wills cut hair in a barber shop in Roy, New Mexico in his pre-Texas Playboys music days. When it comes to food, New Mexico will never let you down.