New Mexico ( The Land of Enchantment ) New Mexico was the Spanish name for the territory north and west of the Rio Grande. New Mexico was admitted to the Union as the 47th state in 1912. New Mexico is called the Land of Enchantment because of its scenic beauty and rich history. In 1540, the Spanish conquistador Coronado trekked through the area known today as New Mexico in search of the fabled seven cities of gold. The state has a large Hispanic population, as New Mexico was under Spanish control from the 16th century until about 1846. The influence of the Apache Indians who live there is evident in the artwork and culture. The Pueblo Indian presence is also very apparent, most visibly in the tribe's buildings. Part of the "Old West", New Mexico was a place known for cowboys and cattle drives. The landscape ranges from rose-colored deserts to snow-capped mountains. Lovers of history can visit Indian ruins, frontier forts and Spanish missions. Indian ceremonies, Spanish fiestas and local rodeos are among the most interesting events for tourists. Some of the famous celebrities that were born in New Mexico include: Demi Moore, The Flag of New Mexico Entered the Union in 1912 as the 47th State; flag adopted in 1925. The red and gold colors of Spain, which once ruled the area, are combined with an ancient sun symbol of the Zia tribe of Native Americans in this flag.   Largest Cities in the State (2000) Albuquerque, 448,607; Las Cruces, 74,267; Santa Fe, 62,203; Rio Rancho, 51,765; Roswell, 45,293; Farmington, 37,844; Alamogordo, 35,582; Clovis, 32,667; Hobbs, 28,657; Carlsbad, 25,625   Business and Trade in New Mexico Agriculture: Cattle, dairy products, hay, nursery stock, chilies. Industries: Electric equipment, petroleum and coal products, food processing, printing and publishing, stone, glass, and clay products, tourism. State Symbols and Emblems Bird: Roadrunner Flower: Yucca Flower (yucca glauca) Tree: Piņon (pinus edulis) Song(s): O, Fair New Mexico Asi es Nuevo Mejico Motto: Crescit Eundo (It Grows As It Goes) New Mexico Travel - Vacation Destinations & Recreation National parks and historic locations suitable for family vacations or day trips. • Aztec Ruins National Monument - Aztec • Pecos National Historical Park - Pecos • Galisteo Dam - Pena Blanca • Percha Diversion Dam - Albuquerque • Big Horn Campground - Glenwood,

Capital: Santa Fe     Local Weather  Statehood: 1912-01-06  Population: 1,819,046 (15 mi2)   Geographic Area (mi2)     Total 121,589.48     Water 233.96     Land 121,355.53     Rank 5th Largest   State Education:     Pub & Prv Schools     College & University     Libraries   Border States: Arizona, Colorado, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah   Health Information:     Illicit Drug Use   Housing: In New Mexico, there are 780,579 housing units, averaging to 6.4 per sq mile.   Related Magazines:     New Mexico Business Weekly   Posters and Artwork Rear View of Truck on a Two Lane Highway, Las Cruces, New Mexico, USA Photographic Print 60" x 20" • Colorful Hot Air Balloons in Sky, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA Photographic Print 18" x 24" • View from the High Road to Taos, New Mexico, USA Photographic Print 60" x 20" • Sandhill Crane in Twilight, Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, New Mexico, USA Photographic Print 24" x 18" • Alien With Camera, Roswell, New Mexico, USA Photographic Print 24" x 18" • San Miguel Church, Santa Fe, New Mexico Pre-Matted Print 11" x 14"