Mexico is proud of its heritage, proud of its history and lifestyle. It is a place of stunning beauty, contrasting landscapes and complementary cultures.
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Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, looking for the famed Seven Cities of Cibola, led an expedition into the area now known as New Mexico in 1540. He quickly found that the fictional cities were just that, fictional. Without the riches he sought, he returned to Spain disappointed. By the end of the century, Spain had officially claimed the land as their own. After two rebellions, possibly even called wars, Spain’s empire collapsed in the early 1800s. Lured by the opening of the Santa Fe Trail, American settlers came and then became very influential.
Billy the Kid, notorious gunfighter of the Wild West, participated in the Lincoln County War, which lasted 5 days in 1878. Taking advantage of this turmoil, Native American tribes intensified their own costly, unsuccessful fight for freedom. It ended in 1886 with the surrender of Geronimo and his followers.
The atomic age began in New Mexico in 1945 at White Sands Missile Range when the first atomic weapon was detonated there. Atomic research continues there today at White Sands and at the Los Alamos National Laboratory.
With perhaps the greatest variety of energy and mineral resources in the United States, New Mexico has been a top producer of oil and natural gas for several decades. It also has substantial reserves of coal, copper, uranium and potash. Although these resources are abundant, the major economic contributor is the government. Nearly 27 percent of the jobs in New Mexico are government related.
Tourism generates over $3 billion in revenues and employs over 52,000 workers in the state. The sunny climate, historic sites, scenic beauty, artists and Native American culture draw thousands upon thousands of visitors each year.
The statewide sales tax is 5.75 percent, with local option for an additional increments of up to 1.5 percent.
New Mexico’s boarders contain six national forests, furnishing 14,000 square miles of scenic splendor. Mountain climbing, backpacking, hiking and off-road travel bring in the tourists seeking outdoor adventures. Boating, water skiing, swimming and river rafting attract the water enthusiasts and Albuquerque has become a major center for hang gliding aficionados.
