7 Most Memorable Small Towns in New Mexico
In 2022, New Mexico celebrated its 110th anniversary of statehood. The United States gained control of New Mexico from the Mexican authority in 1848 as a result of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo. Over time, the territory experienced an economic and immigration boom. By 1910, the United States passed the Enabling Act, which gave New Mexico the authority to draft a constitution. January 6, 1912, would be the day New Mexico became America's 47th state.
A number of important moments in American history occurred in New Mexico. The town of Los Alamos was an important research ground during World War II. Here, the brightest scientists tested and developed the first Atomic Weapons. Sixty miles north of White Sands National Park is the location of the Project Trinity test site. In 1947, in the town of Roswell, a local rancher found a piece of metallic debris on his ranch. The discovery would turn into major news, birthing a new rise in the theory of fascination on the topic of UFOs. Many people began to question whether we were alone in the universe. The town of Clovis is home to Norman Petty's recording studio, which is another popular tourist attraction. The following article presents 7 of the most memorable towns in New Mexico.
Gallup
The town of Gallup, New Mexico, was named after David L. Gallup, a paymaster for the Atlantic and Pacific railroads. Today, the town is a place for outdoor adventure with a lovely scenic locale. It is known as the "Indian Capital of the World," as more than 70% of Native American jewelry and other art are produced and sold in the region.
For anyone interested in learning more about the culture of Gallup, there are a lot of opportunities to do so. The Gallup Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial has been operational since 1922. This event is one of the oldest continuous recognitions of Native American culture and is known for attracting an international audience. Additionally, over twenty different murals can be explored across downtown Gallup. Each mural tells the story of the town, its local culture, and Native American culture. Opened in 1928, the El Morro Theatre is also an established local landmark. On the walls of the theatre are murals by David A. Swing, which depict historical settings within the region. In 1991, the theatre underwent a restoration effort, and today, patrons can buy tickets for upcoming films.
Las Vegas
Las Vegas, New Mexico, sits in San Miguel County and features a number of beautiful and fascinating attractions, such as the Dwan Light Sanctuary. The Americans claimed the territory in 1846 during the Mexican-American war, and the town experienced growth in its population with the arrival of the Santa Fe Railway in 1879. The Las Vegas Plaza Hotel opened in 1882 as the fanciest hotel in the New Mexico Territory. The Hotel has been the stomping ground for many famous figures. Among the list of celebrities is actor Tommy Lee Jones. The Dwan Light Sanctuary, operational since 1966, is a true escape from the stress of the city within the town of Las Vegas. The interior is designed to take advantage of the beautiful New Mexico light as seen in its large prisms. The sanctuary is not open to the general public apart from announced events.
There's plenty to do outdoors as well, such as The Tri-County Farmers Market, which allows visitors to buy produce sourced from local farmers. There are a large variety of foods available for sale, including fruits, vegetables, and homegrown jams. Located 5 miles north of town, Storrie Lake State Park is a serene lake for fishing. Rainbow Trout and carp fish are found within the region. There are many campsites within the park that provide RV hookups.
Taos
The town of Taos is in the north-central region of the state within the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Famous figures such as actress Julia Roberts and novelist D.H Lawrence have owned homes in Taos at one point in time. Taos has many historical points of interest, such as The Kit Carson House and Museum, which is a local historic building. It was the home of frontiersman Kit Carson until his death in 1867. Carson is one of history's great frontiersmen, and he is known for his efforts as a free trader in New Mexico. Visitors to the museum will notice the Spanish Colonial architecture of the building. La Hacienda de Los Martinez is another historic building built in 1804. It is one of the few remaining northern New Mexico-style "Great Houses" of the late Spanish Colonial period. It was the house of Severino Martinez, where he raised his six children. Today, visitors can gain an understanding of the life of Frontiersmen in the early 1800s. La Hacienda de Los Martinez is also the host of the annual Old Taos Trade Fair. The event is a commemoration of the community and its deep history.
2.9 miles to the Northeast of Taos is Taos Pueblo, which is the oldest continuously inhabited community in America. Today, the community is open to tourists for an admission fee. During their experience, visitors can explore the remains of the San Geronimo Church as well. The church symbolizes the resilience of the Taos people and the influence of Spanish colonizers on the indigenous community. The location is complete with generations of Spanish and American Indigenous history. Seated 12 miles northwest of Taos, the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge is one of the most famous Bridges in the United States. The Bridge is the fifth highest in the entire country, at 650 feet above the river. Visitors can explore the region through a nearby walking trail. The Bridge has appeared in several films such as Natural Born Killers, released in 1994.
Tucumcari
Tucumcari, New Mexico, was initially established as a construction base for the El Paso and Rock Island Railroad in 1901. It boomed in the 1940s with its growth as a trade hub. Seated along Route 66, Tucumcari is a popular tourist destination. It preserves local history, from prehistoric dinosaurs at The Dinosaur Museum to structures such as the Tee Pee Curios. Built in 1944, the Tee Pee Curios is a local souvenir shop on Route 66. When Route 66 was widened in 1959, an entrance to the shop in the shape of a teepee was added. A trip to the souvenir shop presents a chance to buy a unique gift before continuing on the road trip.
Route 66 Museum tells the story of Tucumcari and its connection to this highway. Exhibits include the world's largest Route 66 photo exhibition. Nearby the museum is the Route 66 monument, built by Tom Coffin. This monument serves as a commemoration of the symbolic effect the Route has had on the community. Known as the "Mother Road," Route 66 is certainly part of why people refer to New Mexico as the "Land of Enchantment." The Dinosaur Museum at Mesalands Community College displays its collection of replicated and original dinosaur fossils. The museum focuses on the Mesozoic period. The Museum brings in approximately 14,000 visitors on average per year.
Roswell
Roswell, New Mexico, is in Chaves County, located in the Southeastern region of the state. In 1871, the community was first established by businessman Van C. Smith. Over time, Roswell has gained international interest. One evening in June 1947, local ranger W.W. Mac Brazel noticed a metallic structure on his farm. Inspired by coverage of a "flying saucer craze," Brazel took the materials to the sheriff. By early July, the local media wrote an exclusive story on what some deemed a "flying saucer." Throughout the following decades, the town has become synonymous with UFO theories. The International UFO Museum is a great place to learn the history of the Roswell incident as well as UFO sightings in general. Today, visitors can explore several exhibits within the museum. The adjoining research library is home to 55,000 documents of research material.
Roswell is truly a creative place, as seen in its UFO Festival and Contemporary Art Museum. The Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art is a renowned institution in Roswell. It houses a collection of over 500 works of art from creators like Johnnie Winona Ross and Judy Richardson. The 22,000 square feet of exhibition space is home to 12 galleries displaying artwork. The museum showcases work created by artists from the Roswell Artist-in-Residence Program as well. The UFO Festival is an annual event in Roswell honoring its local history. Each year, people unite for a week of fun activities. There are events and live entertainment, from musicians to an Alien Chase 5K.
Sixteen miles southeast of Roswell is Bottomless Lakes State Park. Within the park is a series of nine sinkholes, ranging from 17 to 90 feet deep. These lakes are a great experience for scuba divers. Other activities within the Park include 4.5 miles of exploration trails. There is also available space for fishing, with a local species of Largemouth Bass.
Clovis
Clovis, New Mexico, is in Curry County and marked its 100th anniversary in 2007. Clovis is famous for an archaeological discovery made by James Whiteman in 1929 when he discovered a collection of artifacts. Further analysis dated these artifacts as far back as 13,000 years. This discovery showcased evidence of an indigenous culture known as the Clovis people.
Clovis has a great history with music, as it is the birthplace of American musician and producer Norman Petty. Throughout his career, Petty produced many massive hits at his recording studio in Clovis. Petty's most popular success was with Buddy Holly, an iconic music artist. Over the years, visitors have made the trek to Petty's recording studio. The studio has been well-curated and showcases Rock and Roll history. Since 1987, artists have traveled to Clovis in tribute to the music that has influenced the world at the Clovis Music Festival. Performers from Lou Gramm to Doug Stone have graced the stage.
There are fantastic event venues in Clovis, such as the Clovis Civic Center. Since 2006, the Clovis Civic Center has done extensive improvements and renovations on its facility, including LED lighting and audiovisual equipment. The center provides in-house catering in its state-of-the-art kitchen. From weddings to meetings, there are many ways to experience the Clovis Civic Centre. An awesome activity for the whole family is The Hillcrest Park Zoo, which is the 2nd largest zoo in the state of New Mexico located within Hillcrest Park. Operating since the 1930s, the Zoo offers tourists a chance to connect with several animals. From a Bengal Tiger to giraffes, there are many wondrous creatures at Hillcrest Zoo.
Mesilla
Mesilla, New Mexico, is in Doña Ana County with an extensive history, including the Battle of Mesilla in 1861 during the American Civil War. Mesilla is also the place where Billy the Kid stood trial for murder in 1881. At one point in history, Mesilla was a major stop for travelers going from San Antonio, Texas, to San Diego, California. Mesilla has fascinating historical landmarks such as Mesilla Plaza, a well-preserved piece of local history, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982. Additionally, The Basilica of San Albino is one of the oldest churches in the Mesilla Valley. In 1852, San Albino received its first permanent pastor in Padre Bernardino Hinojos. By 1876, the church commissioned its first bell. 1906 marked the completion of the current church structure. Over a century later, the church uses this same structure. From Basilica Days on June 29th to its monthly youth rosary, the church hosts many events.
Multiple historic attractions in Mesilla are still in use today. Established in 1939, La Posta De Mesilla serves acclaimed food to its customers and is a terrific spot to eat. In 2013, the restaurant was recognized as the "Official Best of New Mexico." Visitors to La Posta De Mesilla can order the Shrimp Ceviche. It comes with shrimp topped with diced avocados, served in a crisp tostada shell. Operational since 1905, the Fountain Theatre is one of the oldest movie houses in the state of New Mexico. In 1905, Albert Fountain Jr purchased the theatre building. In the early days, Albert would translate his films into Spanish for his Spanish-speaking audience. The theatre is still in operation today.
The state of New Mexico is a state that preserves its history and truly lives up to the nickname of the Land of Enchantment. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the historic Taos Pueblo, Mesilla Plaza, or the Bottomless State Park in Roswell for a memorable experience. That is only a fraction of the wonderful locations worth experiencing in New Mexico, so go ahead and book your unforgettable vacation now!
