Happy Birthday New Mexico
On January 6 New Mexico will celebrate 111 years as a state. The Land of Enchantment captivates the imagination and has inspired great works of art through stories, fables, myths, and paintings. Rich in tradition and diversity, New Mexico’s culture goes back thousands of years.
New Mexico is a living time capsule with treasures both above and below the soil. From the Clovis people who hunted in the eastern end of the state roughly 13,000 years ago to the “Ancient Ones” of Chaco Canyon, the modern-day blending of Spanish, Mexican, and Anglo cultures have shaped New Mexico and set the tone of wonder in our area.
In 1598, New Mexico became part of the Spanish Kingdom, a part of the Imperial Spanish viceroyalty of New Spain, the settlers named the land Nuevo Mexico after the Aztec Valley of the Rio Grande River in what is now Mexico. New Mexico was established and named 223 years before Mexico was named and became a country. A Common misconception among people living outside of the state is that New Mexico is part of present-day Mexico.
In 1850, Two years after the Mexican-American War and the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, New Mexico was granted territorial status. Washington, D.C. appointed governors and other officials to rule the new territory. New Mexico had the required number of people to become a state, but Washington D.C. mistrusted the territory’s inhabitants, fearing their allegiance was still with Mexico. People outside the state felt the New Mexico Territory was too lawless, wild, and corrupt to become a part of the union. American, Irish and British businessmen, lawyers, cattle barons, and land speculators added to the problems that led to local wars in Lincoln and Colfax counties. Thirdly, the United States government believed a major obstacle was the “Indian Problem.” Unfortunately, Natives were considered “undesirables” and “untamable people.” However, the indigenous peoples of New Mexico cultivated the arid landscape, built advanced housing (Pueblos), and governed themselves long before Europeans arrived, but the early government in Washington, D.C. held beliefs under misguided concepts of how people should live.
The Lincoln County War, the Santa Ring, struggles with Native populations, and other issues fueled the belief that New Mexico was not prepared for admittance as a state. Politicians in Washington, D.C. argued the Natives and mixed-blood people could never be assimilated into civil society. Another issue was the brewing contentions surrounding slavery, which occupied the minds of politicians back east, and further, put New Mexico aside regarding statehood. It would take 62 years before statehood would be granted to the territory.
People from the east coast began coming to New Mexico by train, and what they witnessed helped change the image of the wild territory. They saw beautiful landscapes and a cultural hub of diversity; the value the Territory of New Mexico could offer as a state became apparent through these interactions and stories made their way back east.
On January 6, 1912, President William Howard Taft signed documents granting New Mexico statehood, and for 111 years New Mexico has been a key player in both national and world events. Atomic energy, uranium mining, Navajo Code Talkers, and the movie industry are just a few contributions New Mexico has made or continues to make as a state.
Although history is extensive throughout New Mexico, Cibola County has much to offer archeologists, historians, artists, paleontologists, and geologists looking to add value to their research and contributions to their fields. Most residents are aware of the historical and geological values our county has to offer, but getting caught up in the day-to-day activities of life tends to make us forget about the role this area played in creating the state we know today.
It was through this area in 1540 that conquistador Francisco Vazquez de Coronado y Lujan led a Spanish expedition looking for the fabled Seven Cities of Cibola. and the future hardships brought upon the Pueblo Natives upon their arrival. Acoma Pueblo, since 1150 A.D., is the oldest continuously inhabited community in North America, and the atrocities encountered atop the mesa that was ordered by Onate bear witness to the hardships brought by change. Geologists studying volcanology come from around the world to examine the lava flows left by local volcanos. The impact of being in the “Uranium Belt” and the contributions mining made to the United States during the “Cold War” and the consequences of mining hazardous rock that poisoned the people and land. Cibola County was once known as the “Carrot Capital” of the world and has a beautiful stretch of scenic Route 66.
Everything that makes New Mexico unique can be found right here in Cibola County. The Native culture and their artesian works handed down through generations; New Mexican food with either green or red chile, and a rustic feel in the way of lives lived here. Ranchers, farmers, cowboys, and the blending of cultures make this a special place to live.
There is not enough space to give a full report on what makes New Mexico and Cibola County an enchanting place, and everyone has something from memory to contribute while reflecting upon where we live. Some may hold a harsher view than others, but there is no mistaking the impact made by living here.
New Mexico! Like any relationship, you can irritate me, make me mad, but in the end, I love this state for all the beautiful things it has to offer. New Mexico has bewitched me with her charm, beauty, and strength to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, NEW MEXICO! May we continue to grow with you.