Interesting Facts About New Mexico

The State of New Mexico known for its highest percentage of Hispanic Americans lies in the southwest region of the United States. This state also records the third highest percentage of Native Americans. With plenty of attractions in store for tourists that flock to this place from all over the world, New Mexico has plenty of sites of historical significance as well as, some of the most beautiful State Parks and scenic areas. Here are some interesting facts about New Mexico that can brief you about this enchanted place.

Interesting Facts about New Mexico:
New Mexico remains to be the most important hub of American Indian culture.

New Mexico also boasts of the longest river – Rio Grande.

The Yucca is New Mexico’s state flower and its fibrous leaves are use to make rope.

The first people to inhabit New Mexico were the members of the Clovis culture of Paleo-Indians. These inhabitants were followed by Native Americans of the Anasazi as well as the Mogollon cultures.

On 16th of July, 1945, the world’s first atomic bomb (Designed and manufactured in Los Alamos) was denoted on the White Sands testing range. This lies near Alamogordo.

The Governor’s Palace, which lies in Santa Fe, is well known for being the oldest seat of the Government in the United States.

The total area of the State of New Mexico is around 121,665 square miles.

Yet another interesting fact about New Mexico remains to be that this holds the sixth position of the most sparsely inhabited US State.

The first ever-recorded Europeans that moved to New Mexico were the Spaniards in their search for gold.

Torrance County that lies in the town of Manzano, New Mexico, holds the center of population.

The State of New Mexico borders with three other states - Colorado, Arizona and Utah.

When it comes to religion, New Mexico records the highest percentage of Catholics that is seen in any western U.S. State.

Since 1898, when The Indian School was filmed in New Mexico, many films have used New Mexico as a backdrop, which has provided ample job opportunities as well.

Although the State of New Mexico is large, it shows very little water surface. The total surface water area is only 250 square miles.

Although this area is known for its mountainous terrain, there are areas that are heavily forested as well towards the northern side.

The Rio Grande River also serves as a natural boundary between Texas and New Mexico.

The White Sands National Monument in New Mexico lies at an elevation of 4235 feet. This area contains white colored sand dunes, which are actually composed of gypsum crystals.

The Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which is held in October, draws millions of visitors from across the globe to watch the colorful hot air balloons rise into the air.

The Carlsbad Cavern National Park located in Southwest New Mexico is known for its beautiful ‘rooms’ or caves.

The State of New Mexico records around seven National Forests and also includes the Nation’s largest Gila National Forest, which is around 3.3 million acre.

The New Mexico State Parks remain to be a popular destination with most tourists. A number of approximately 5 million people visit these parks to discover their scenic beauty.

The largest fire recorded in New Mexico history happened on May 4, 2000, at the National Park Service’s Bandelier Monument. Due to this fire, many people had to evacuate their homes.