Geography of New Mexico
The Great Plains of North America, sloping east from the Rocky Mountains, cover New Mexico’s eastern border with Texas. This elevated plateau area gradually blends in with the large ( and flat) treeless regions of western Oklahoma and Texas.
The Colorado Plateau, a series of plains, gorges, mountains, and valleys, portions across the state’s northwestern corner.
The tree-covered Rocky Mountains extend south into New Mexico; significant ranges include Jemez, Sangra de Cristo and Zuni. Along the southern reaches of New Mexico, the Black Range, and rugged Guadeloupe, Mongollon, Sacramento and the San Andres Mountains dominate the landscape.
- Allcitycodes: Provides map of area codes in New Mexico by county and city.
- Ask4beauty: Introduction to the state of New Mexico, addressing geography, history, politics, economy and population.
- Toppharmacyschools: Lists all educational institutes in New Mexico, including psychology, biological science, clinical psychology, computer science, economics, fine arts, etc.
The state’s most dramatic feature, the White Sands National Monument is one of the world’s great natural wonders.
Additional points of interest include Carlsbad Caverns, site of more than 100 caves, including Lechuguilla Cave – America, the deepest at over 1,500 feet.
Rio Grande rising in southwestern Colorado, flows south through New Mexico, later forming a natural boundary between Mexico and Texas. Other size rivers include Canadian, Gila and Pecos.
New Mexico Famous Natives
A-B
- Written by Rudolfo Anaya
- Manuel Armigio politician
- Written by Jimmy Santiago Bucky
- Smokey Bear fire safety symbol
- Jeffrey Bezos founder Amazon.com
- Nakio Herb Brown songwriter
C
- Bruce Cabot actor
- Dave Campos motorcycle racer, former forward speed records holder
- Ian Clayton actress
- George Coe rancher, cowboy, mobster (born in MO)
- Edward Condon physicist
- Robert Crichton author
D-F
- John Denver singer/songwriter
- Pete Domenica politician
- Written by Harvey Ferguson
- Bob Foster boxer
G-H
- Astronaut Andrew Gaffney
- Astronaut Cid Gutierrez
- William Hanna cartoonist
- Neil Patrick Harris actor
- Hotel chain founder Conrad Hilton Hilton
- Peter Hurd artist
K-M
- Ralph Keener baseball player
- Tommy McDonald football player
- William (Bill) Henry Moldy political cartoonist
- Henry McCarthy “Billy the Kid” frontier criminal, mobster (birthplace claimed by several states)
- Actress Demi Moore
P-S
- Freddie Prinze Jr. actor (born in CA)
- Eugene Manlow Rhodes author
- Harrison Schmitt astronaut, politician
- Leslie Marmon Silko poet, novelist
- Jockey Mike Smith
- Comedian Slim Summerville
U-W
- Al Unser, Sir ‘s car racer
- Al Unser, auto racer
- Auto racer Bobby Anzer
- Brian Urlacher football player
- Duane Ward baseball player
- Radio journalist Linda Wertheimer
Albuquerque, NM
Albuquerque is an authentic, macho American legend located in the heart of New Mexico. As one of the oldest cities in the United States, Albuquerque’s heritage is rich and multicultural, with strong Native American, Hispanic, and Latin American influences.
Albuquerque’s unrivaled character has been shaped by its long and exciting history. It was founded in 1706 as a small Spanish settlement by a group of colonists who were given permission by King Philip V of Spain to establish a new villa on the banks of the Rio Grande. It was named after the Duke of Spain Alburquerque. Over the years, the first “r” in that name was dropped, leaving Albuquerque spelled as we know it today.
In 1880 the railroad arrived and the city prospered almost overnight. Today, Albuquerque remains a center for regional transportation.
Remember the song’s lyrics, “If you ever plan to travel west, travel my way on the highway, this is the best. Get your beats on Route 66?” Well, that historic (now decommissioned) highway, “America’s Main Street,” still runs through parts of the city, and each year, locals and visitors help celebrate that wonderful highway’s impact on America’s growth.
- The American International Rattlesnake Museum, located a block south of Old Town Plaza, has the largest collection of different species of live rattlesnakes in the world.
- Albuquerque is a very affordable vacation destination in North America.
- The flaming brown bags that decorate Albuquerque’s aisles, churches and homes every holiday are called luminaries (paper bags lit from a candle). They date back more than 300 years to the first Spanish settlers.
More than three centuries of amazing history, combined with a melting pot of international cultures, has transformed Albuquerque into a celebrated travel destination. In this completely modern city, the mountain air is fresh and clean; friendly people and things work right the first time. You will be dazzled by the amazing scenery and enthralled by the endless sunny days. Come enjoy!
The growing capital of the world
Albuquerque is home to the International Balloon Fiesta and the glorious fiesta that it is! Every year in October, hundreds of colorful hot air balloons take off into clear blue skies, aided by gentle winds and lovely cool temperatures. This event has garnered international notoriety and it is one of the most photographed events on the planet.
Countries Head Gathering wow
This grand gathering is the biggest Native American event in the world. Over 3,000 local Native American dancers and singers from more than 500 tribes in the United States and Canada meet in Albuquerque each year. Along with celebrations of dance and song, the impressive Wow Nations Head Gathering hosts the huge Merchants Market and the Miss Indian World pageant.
Sandia Peak Funicular
Enjoy sensational views of deep canyons and scenic land as you take the world’s longest cable car to the top of Sandia Peak. Enjoy panoramic views of the Rio Grande Valley and the Enchanted Land in a breathtaking way; then dine on the mountain as the desert sky over Albuquerque turns to hues of red, purple and gold.
