A Brief History of New Mexico Native Americans have lived in New Mexico since approximately 9200 BC. The earliest peoples migrated from northern areas of North America after leaving Siberia via the Bering Land Bridge. Oral histories, artifacts and architecture demonstrate ancient complex cultures in this region. The first written records of the region were made by the Spanish Conquistadors, who encountered Native American Pueblos when they explored the area in the 16th century. Since that time, the Spanish Empire, Mexico, and the United States (since 1848) have claimed control of the area. The area was governed as New Mexico Territory until 1912, when it was admitted as a state. New Mexico introduced the atomic age in 1945, as the first nuclear weapons were developed by the federal government in the research center it established at Los Alamos. Ethnically the state has historically been principally divided among Native American, Hispanic and Anglo elements.

New Mexico Population Total Population: 2,088,070 Hispanic or Latino : 48.5% Non-Hispanic White: 38.1% American Indian/Alaskan Native alone: 10.6% Black or African American alone: 2.5% Asian alone: 1.7% Female : 50.5% Male: 49.5%

New Mexico State Symbols State Fish- Rio Grande Cutthroat Trout State Mammal- American Black Bear State Bird- Roadrunner State Flower- Yucca

The Great Seal of the State of New Mexico The Great Seal of the State of New Mexico was adopted in 1913, but it’s principle design dates back to the early 1860’s when New Mexico was a U.S. Territory. The two types of eagles, an American bald eagle, and the Mexican golden eagle, represent the region’s multi-national history and heritage. “CRESCIT EUNDO” is a Latin phrase which translates as: “It grows as it goes.”

The New Mexico State Flag: Yellow and red are the colors of Spain, first brought to New Mexico by Spanish explorers in 1540. On New Mexico's flag we see a red sun with rays streching out from it. There are four groups of rays with four rays in each group. This is an ancient sun symbol of a Native American people called the Zia. The Zia believed that the giver of all good gave them gifts in groups of four. These gifts are: The four directions - north, east, south and west. The four seasons - spring, summer, fall and winter. The day - sunrise, noon, evening and night. Life itself - youth, middle years and old age. All of these are bound by a circle of life and love, without a beginning or end.

Famous New Mexicans Popé- Dolores Huerta- Billy the Kid- Neil Patrick Leader of the Pueblo Revolt in 1680 Dolores Huerta- Civil Rights Leader Billy the Kid- Outlaw Neil Patrick Harris- Actor Georgia O’keeffe- Artist Geronimo- Apache Chief

More Facts… New Mexico obtained statehood on January 6th, 1912 It is the 5th largest state in the US Area 121,589 square miles Highest point – Wheeler Peak – 13,167 ft.