History of New Mexico

The ancestral home of the Pueblo. A remnant of Spain's New World empire. The location of the first atomic bomb detonation. A supposed alien crash site. New Mexico. The Land of Enchantment.

New Mexico is a state with a rich and diverse history, dating back thousands of years. The land was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Pueblo, Apache, and Navajo, which developed unique cultures, traditions, and ways of life.

Discover how the region changed when the Spanish conquistadors arrived and established colonies, bringing with them Christianity and the Spanish language. And explore the territory's tumultuous history as it changed hands from Spain to Mexico and then from Mexico to the United States.

As the years passed, New Mexico experienced rapid growth, particularly in the areas of mining, agriculture, and tourism. During World War II, New Mexico played a critical role in the development of the top-secret Manhattan Project.

We leave no stone uncovered. So, join us in discovering a state known for its beautiful landscapes, complex cultural heritage, and diverse population.

You'll learn about all these points and more!

The Spanish quest for the seven cities of gold;
The ambitions of men like Coronado and Juan de Oñate, which led them to explore a forbidding frontier;
The long struggle of the Pueblo people to retain their lands and culture;
The part New Mexico played in Confederate ambitions during the American Civil War;
The role of land hunger and range wars in New Mexico's history;
The effect of World War II on New Mexico's economy and future;
A bizarre American wartime program that sought to put armed bats on the frontline;
The wartime contribution of Navajo code talkers in the Pacific;
The development of the atomic bomb;
The role archaeologists and artists played in preserving New Mexico's history;
Myths and legends across the state;
The 1947 episode near Roswell that may point to alien visitation;
And so much more!