Source Documents Index – All Documents

The following are source documents which cover basic historical events occurring since the initiation of New Mexico statehood in 1912. They are intended to be used for teaching New Mexico history.

Statehood (1912)

  • Constitution Convention
    • Good Things in Constitution
      Newspaper Article - Santa Fe New Mexican
      This article is written before the citizens vote on the constitution. It was written by persons in the El Paso Herald. It discusses the protection of Miners, Railroaders and other Workingmen. The rights of natives are secured. The article discusses
  • US Government Role
    • 1848 Map of Western Territories
      Map - Center for Legislative Archives, National Archives
      This is the Map of Western Territories that President James K. Polk sent to Congress with his annual message in 1848. The map shows the New Mexico territory as the boundaries were established by various treaties, such as the Treaty of Guadalupe
    • 1912 Electoral Vote Tally
      Primary Document - National Archives
      This is the FIRST Presidential Election in which NM was a state. On February 12, 1913 the House and the Senate met in a joint session to count the votes from the 1912 presidential election. The major candidates in the election were unpopular
    • Admission to Statehood
      Political Cartoon - National Archives
      This cartoon by Clifford Berryman appeared in the Washington Post on May 24, 1911. On June 20, 1910, Congress passed an act to authorize the people of the New Mexico and Arizona Territories to form constitutions and state governments, and provide
    • ARTICLE XXI, Compact with the United States
      Primary Document - Constitution of the State of New Mexico
      This document provides the information that deals with the conditions that the state agreed to in becoming part of the United States. This original document was approved on June 20, 1910. There were changes that were adopted by the people on
    • Credentials for the first US Senators from NM
      Primary Document - National Archives
      These letters authorized Albert Fall and Thomas Catron as Senators from New Mexico. They were written to the president of the Senate from the then Governor William
    • Enters the Sisterhood of States
      Newspaper Article - Hope Penasco Valley Press
      This article describes the announcement of statehood for New Mexico. The article also mentions the inauguration of new governor McDonald on January 15, 1912. What statehood means is also
    • Fillmore's Nomination of James S. Calhoun as 1st Governor of NM Territory
      Primary Document - National Archives
      Congress created the Territory of New Mexico - which included present-day Arizona - on September 9, 1850 as part of the Compromise of 1850. On December 23, 1850 President Millard Fillmore nominated James S. Calhoun to be the new territory's first
    • Greeting President Roosevelt at Albuquerque
      Photograph - Stereograph Cards Collection, Library of Congress
      This is a photo of President Theodore Roosevelt's train stop in Albuquerque. During this time, the New Mexico Territory was appealing to the US Government for statehood.  This stereograph was taken in 1903 and is part of the Stereograph
    • Joint Resolution 14 to Admit Arizona and New Mexico to US
      Primary Document - National Archives
      On August 10, 1911, Congress passed H.J. Res. 14, "to admit the territories of New Mexico and Arizona as States into the Union." The legislation, however, contained a requirement that the people of Arizona vote on the recall provision as a separate
    • Public Meeting Information 1864
      Primary Document - Library of Congress
      This is an announcement for a public meeting held in Santa Fe, NM on February 21, 1864. The public meeting, presided over by Territorial Governor Connelly, was in response to derogatory comments published in the Eastern US press about Brigadier
    • The Next Candidate for Statehood
      Political Cartoon - Library of Congress
      Illustration shows Columbia handing a dress labeled "Statehood" to a young woman labeled "New
    • Waiting for their Stars
      Political Cartoon - Library of Congress
      Illustration shows Columbia sitting in a chair with the American flag across her lap, she is holding a star and has a pot of stars and sewing materials next to her; standing on the left are three male figures representing "New Mexico, Arizona, [and]
    • William Taft Signing NM Statehood Bill
      Photograph - Harris & Ewing Collection, Library of Congress
      The photograph was taken as President William Howard Taft signed the bill to make New Mexico as state in 1912. This photograph is part of the Harris & Ewing Collection at the Library of
  • Treaty Commitments
    • Controversial guidelines spark Rio Chama River rift
      Newspaper Article - Santa Fe New Mexican
      This article discusses the challenge to the San Juan Chama Diversion project by a land grant group who are protective of the water rights provided in the Treaty of Guadalupe Hildago. The article summarizes the rift between the farmers on the Rio
  • Land Grants
    • Advertisement: The Maxwell Land Grant
      Advertisement - East Las Vegas Daily Optic
      This advertisement is representative of those offered in the selling of Maxwell Land Grant property. The article promotes farming with perpetual water rights, grazing, and gold mining. It is noted in the title that the title is established as a
    • ARTICLE II, Bill of Rights
      Primary Document - NM Constitution
      Section 5 of the Bill of Rights addresses the Treaty of Guadalupe Hildago and it is the key statement in the NM Constitution that provides a reference for Land Grant
    • Chilili Demands Presented
      Newspaper Article - Albuquerque Journal
      This article outlines the demands of the Committee for the Reformation and Preservation of the Chilili Land Grant. The article outlines five demands regarding the use of the Chilili land by those not associated with the villagers and heirs of the
    • Joseph's Joint Resolution
      Newspaper Article - Santa Fe Herald
      This article discusses the wording associated with the protection of settlers in the Maxwell Land Grant. The articles highlights the decision made by the Secretary of Interior on December 31. 1869, regarding land lying and being situate in the
    • Judge McFie's Baby Case in the Supreme Court
      Newspaper Article - Santa Fe New Mexican
      The article discusses the disposition of the Maxwell land grant in an ownership dispute, which was decided in the Territorial Supreme Court and affirmed by the US Supreme Court. The word "baby" in the title refers to the fact that this was Judge
    • New Map of Texas with Land Grants
      Map - Geography and Map Division, Library of Congress
      Map shows colonies and land grants, Neuces River as border between Texas and Mexican states, Indian Territory attached to Arkansas, Santa Fe area, towns, rivers, and roads. This was engraved by James H. Young in 1835. This map is part of the map
    • Railroad Land Grants - NM Territory
      Map - Railroad Maps Collection, Library of Congress
      Map showing portions of Arizona and New Mexico indicating land grants on either side of the right of way of the railroad. The map was created in 1883 and is part of the Railroad Maps Collection at the Library of
    • Rio Hondo Land
      Photograph - Farm Security Administration Collection, Library of Congress
      Scene on strip farms along the Rio Hondo near Taos, New Mexico. This land was originally Spanish land grants and has been divided and subdivided among the descendents of the first farmers until the farms are today extremely small, some being only
    • Simms' Mesa Tract Will Be Fully Developed
      Newspaper Article - Albuquerque Journal
      This article describes the disposition of the original Elena Gallegos Land Grant by Albert G. Simms. The article describes the boundaries of the
    • Spanish-American Family Farm
      Photograph - Farm Security Administration Collection, Library of Congress
      Spanish-American family homes in a group, farming land in the background. Llano de San Juan, New Mexico. This photo was taken in 1940 as part of the Farm Security Administration/Office of War Information Collection at the Library of
    • Tributary of the Rio Costilla
      Photograph - Farm Security Administration Collection, Library of Congress
      Tributary of the Rio Costilla near Amalia, New Mexico. Irrigated farmland is in the center and grazing land surrounding. This photo was taken in 1940 as part of the Farm Security Administration/Office of War Information Collection at the Library of
    • Under heading: Monday, March 2
      Newspaper Article - Santa Fe Daily New Mexican
      This short announcement in March of 1891 describes Federal action establishing a court for the adjudication of private Spanish and Mexican land grant
  • Borders and Counties
    • Bernalillio County Courthouse 1908
      Photograph - Detroit Publishing Company Photograph Collection, Library of Congress
      This is a 1908 photo of the Bernalillio County Courthouse in Albuquerque, NM. It was built in 1886 and was replaced with a new courthouse built in 1926. This photo is part of the Detroit Publishing Company Collection at the Library of
    • Map of NM Showing County Seats and Boundaries 1908
      Map - Legislative Archives, National Archives
      This map shows the New Mexico county boundaries as they existed in 1908 when the territory was seeking statehood. It also shows the proposed Curry County, named after then-Territorial Governor George Curry, which became a county in 1909. RG 233,
    • Map of NM with Coach Lines, Rivers and Lakes
      Map - Transportation and Communication Collection, Library of Congress
      Map shows relief by hachures, drainage, counties, cities and towns, roads, trails, and proposed or surveyed railroad lines. This map was done in 1879 by Rand McNally and is part of the Transportation and Communication Collection at the Library of
    • Map of Railroads
      Map - Railroad Maps Collection, Library of Congress
      Map of the Rio Grande and Pecos Railway showing its connections with the Texas Mexican, Texas Mexican Short Line, Mexican National, Texas & St. Louis, and Denver & Rio Grande Narrow Gauge systems and also the International & Great
    • Map of US with NM - 1847
      Map - Library of Congress, Geography and Map Division
      This is a map of the US with the NM territory acquired during Mexican-American War. Map was published in 1847. (Actually titled "New map of the United States and
    • Santa Fe Route 1888
      Map - Railroad Maps Collection, Library of Congress
      1888 Map of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico showing relief by hachures, drainage, cities and towns, stations, Indian reservations, state boundaries, and the railroad network emphasizing the main line. The map includes railroad
  • Political Structure
    • ARTICLE III, Distribution of Powers
      Primary Document - NM Constitution
      This article is the key article that explains the political structure of the new state. Articles IV, V, and VI go into greater detail as to the functions of the Legislative, Executive, and Judicial Departments. This particular statement was adopted
    • New Mexico Capitol Building
      Photograph - Office of War Information Collection, Library of Congress
      This a photo of the capitol building as it looked in 1943.   This was the capitol building until the new capitol building, The Roundhouse, was built in 1966. This photo was taken by John Collier, Jr. as part of the Federal Security Administration
  • Immigration Policies
    • ARTICLE VII, Elective Franchise; and ARTICLE II, Bill of Rights
      Primary Document - NM Constitution
      Generally the articles in the NM Constitution address the rights of citizens. Voting rights are defined in Article VII, Elective Franchise, which was adopted by the people on November 7, 1967. Section 22 in Article II, Bill of Rights, addresses the
  • Secondary and Higher Education
    • ARTICLE XII, Education
      Primary Document - NM Constitution
      This article deals with the provisions of Secondary Education. Sections 1, 5, 8, 9, and 10 have been selected to emphasize significant provisions that deal with education offerings at the secondary level. Section 11 is the November 3, 1964 adoption
    • Indian Service School, Taos
      Photograph - Farm Security Administration Collection, Library of Congress
      At work in the Indian Service School. Taos, New Mexico. This photo was taken in 1936 as part of the Farm Security Administration/Office of War Information Collection at the Library of
    • University of New Mexico
      Photograph - Office of War Information Collection, Library of Congress
      This photo is of a building at the University of New Mexico.This photo was taken by John Collier Jr. in 1943 and is part of the Farm Security Administration - Office of War Information Collection at the Library of Congress. In 1941 to 1943, Collier

New Mexico Role in WW I Era (1916-1919)

  • Pancho Villa Invades NM
    • Almost Escapes on Villa's Horse
      Newspaper Article - Western Liberal, Lordsburg, NM
      This 1916 newspaper article is a first-person description of the abduction, experiences and release of a Mormon colonist in Northern Mexico by Pancho Villa's forces just prior to and during his attack on Columbus, New Mexico. It provides some
    • General Francisco (Pancho) Villa on Horseback
      Photograph - National Photo Company Collection, Library of Congress, Reproduction Number: LC-DIG-npcc-19554
      Photograph of General Francisco (Pancho) Villa on horseback, taken sometime between 1908 and
    • General Pershing
      Photograph - US Army
      This is a photo of General Pershing looking over notes at his camp for the US Army Punitive Expedition in
    • General Pershing at Camp
      Photograph - Prints and Photographs Division, Library of Congress
      Photo of General John J. Pershing at camp during US Army Punitive Expedition in Mexico.  This photo was taken in
    • Hand Carving up a map of Southwestern United States
      Political Cartoon - Library of Congress
      World War I cartoon shows a hand in a gauntlet (decorated with the imperial German eagle) carving up a map of the Southwestern United States. Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas are labeled "For Mexico." California is labeled "For Japan(?)" The rest of
    • Mexican War 1914: Large Group of Federal Prisoners
      Photograph - Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division
      This is a photo of a large group of Federal Mexican War prisoners in
    • Pancho Villa - Uncle Sam Berryman Cartoon
      Political Cartoon - 1916 Cartoon by Clifford K. Berryman, via National Archive Berryman Collection
      In this 1916 Political cartoon, Uncle Sam leaps across the border fence with Mexico to chase Pancho Villa saying “I've Had About Enough of
    • Pershing's Camp
      Photograph - Underwood & Underwood
      This photo is at General Pershing's camp in Mexico during his punitive expedition. It shows Pershing's men baking bread in a oven for the
    • The Pershing "Punitive" Expedition
      Political Cartoon - Cabinet of American Illustration Collection, Library of Congress
      This political cartoon shows Pershing "pursuit" of Pancho Villa in Mexico. The cartoon is making fun at the fact that Pershing was having difficulty in finding and capturing Villa. The cartoon was published in 1916 and is part of the Cabinet of
    • Villa & Staff, Mexico
      Photograph - George Grantham Bain Collection, Library of Congress
      Photo shows Francisco "Pancho" Villa (at the "X"), Calixto Contreras (4th from left) and Fidel Avila (3rd from right), at Hacienda de Bustillos, Chihuahua
    • Zimmermann Telegram
      Primary Document - U.S. National Archives
      The Zimmermann Telegram was a 1917 coded message from the Foreign Secretary of the German Empire, Arthur Zimmermann to the German Minister to Mexico, Heinrich von Eckard, offering United States territory to Mexico in return for joining the German
  • Prohibition
  • Flu Epidemic
    • A Proclamation
      Newspaper Article - The Roswell Daily Record
      This is a proclamation issued by the Governor of New Mexico designed to curb the spread of the Spanish
    • All Public Places In Farmington Closed
      Newspaper Article - Farmington Times Hustler
      The Farmington Board of Health closed all schools and other public places as a precautionary
    • Board of Health Lifts Ban on Churches and Schools Sunday
      Newspaper Article - Roswell Daily Record
      It was considered that the flu epidemic had passed Roswell and the ban on churches, schools, and theaters could be
    • Flu Epidemic Passes and Ban is Removed
      Newspaper Article - Farmington Times Hustler
      The six-week quarantine on meetings, churches, shows, and schools was lifted for Aztec and
    • Flu Situation In New Mexico
      Newspaper Article - Farmington Times Hustler
      This article discusses how the New Mexico State Board of Health was underfunded and how the Red Cross assisted in dealing with some 20,000 cases and 2,000
    • Health Talk
      Newspaper Article - House Pioneer News
      Treatments for influenza, bronchitis, and pheumonia are
    • How to Fight Spanish Influenza
      Newspaper Article - House Pioneer News
      The article recommends avoiding crowds, coughs, and cowards, but fearing neither germs or Germans. Recommendations include having a clean mouth, a clean skin, and clean
    • How to Use Vick's Vaporub in Treating Spanish Influenza
      Newspaper Article - Hope Penasco Valley Press
      The article deals with the symptoms, the treatments, how to apply external applications of VapoRub, and how to avoid Spanish
    • New Mexico State News
      Newspaper Article - Ft. Sumner Review
      The article reported on cases of Spanish Influenza in Albuquerque (450 on Oct 17) and Roy
    • Notice of Quarantine
      Newspaper Article - Roswell Daily Record
      The City of Roswell Board of Health established a quarantine whereby the only people that could enter or leave the New Mexico Military Institute grounds would be physicians, nurses, and Institute
    • Notice to the Public
      Newspaper Article - Roswell Daily Record
      The Roswell Board of Health closed all places of business except drugstores, hotels, restaurants, filling stations, and garages for specified
    • Pithy News Items Gathered From All Over New Mexico
      Newspaper Article - House Pioneer News
      Among news items were reports that draft calls for WWI were cancelled because of the flu, where 94 NM soldiers had died with 41 from pneumonia, flu, and
    • Six Millions Die of Spanish Flu in Last Twelve Weeks
      Newspaper Article - Albuquerque Morning Journal
      The article point out that some 6 million people have died of influenza and pneumonia throughout the world in the last 12
    • Spanish Influenza
      Newspaper Article - Hope Penasco Valley Press
      The article discusses infectious health effects on people and recommends preventative
    • Spanish Influenza - Just Grip Camouflaged under A New Name
      Newspaper Article - Albuquerque Morning Journal
      Article says that Spanish Flu is simply the old-fashioned Grip and that it has been in the US five times since

New Mexico Role in WW II (1941-45)

  • Navajo Code Talkers
    • Navajo Code Talker Honored
      Newspaper Article - Santa Fe New Mexican
      Most of the code talker articles have been restricted in the Access Newspaper Archive database. This article was after the restriction and is somewhat later than the original articles. The article does define Code Talker
  • Internment of Japan Descendants
    • Executive Order 9066 - Japanese Internment
      Primary Document - National Archives
      Executive Order 9066 was a United States presidential executive order signed and issued during World War II by the United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt on February 19, 1942, authorizing the Secretary of War to prescribe certain areas as
  • Manhattan Project
    • Albert Einstein Letter to FDR
      Primary Document - FDR Library
      This is a letter from Albert Einstein to President Roosevelt in 1939. This letter helped to start the Manhattan
    • Deadliest Weapons in World's History, Made In Santa Fe Vicinity
      Newspaper Article - Santa Fe New Mexican
      In this article published on August 6, 1945, the same day the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, Santa Fe first learns of a secret town of 6,000 residents located at the site of the Los Alamos Ranch School on the Pajarito Plateau. The new town of
    • FDR's Response to Einstein Letter
      Primary Document - FDR Library
      This is President Roosevelt's response to Albert Einstein's letter about atomic testing. This letter was done in 1939 by Edwin Watson, secretary to the
    • Fuller Lodge - Los Alamos, NM
      Photograph - Historic American Building Collections, Library of Congress
      This is a photograph of the Fuller Lodge in Los Alamos, NM. The Fuller Lodge was used by the military staff and J. Oppenheimer during the Manhattan Project. This photo was complied by the Historic American Buildings Survey after 1933.  Part of the
    • July 16, 1945 - First Atomic Bomb Detonation
      Drawing - Historic American Engineering Record, Library of Congress
      This 1968 document is the explanation of the first atomic detonation at the Trinity Site, White Sands, NM. It gives details of the detonation. LOC: HAER NM,27-ALMOG.V,1A- (sheet 4 of
    • Letter, FDR to Oppenheimer
      Primary Document - Library of Congress
      In the midst of World War II, while engaged abroad in a major conflict with Germany and Japan, the United States was also working furiously at home toward the completion of the Manhattan Project. This huge research and development project was begun
    • Notebook of Manhattan Project Testing
      Primary Document - National Archives
      Eight months after the United States entered World War II, the Federal Government launched the Manhattan Project, an all-out, but highly secret, effort to build an atomic bomb—and to build one before the Germans did. The task was to translate the
    • Now They Can Be Told Aloud, Those Stoories of 'The Hill'
      Newspaper Article - Santa Fe New Mexican
      This article describes the secrecy and censorship that affected New Mexico during the original development of the Atomic Bomb. It was published the same day (August 6, 1945) that President Truman revealed the Atomic bomb had been dropped on
    • Trinity Site - Camera Bunker
      Photograph - Historic American Engineering Record, Library of Congress
      Photograph of the interior of one of the camera bunkers at the Trinity Site, White Sands Missile Range. Photo was taken in April of 1984, years after
    • Trinity Site - Explosion
      Photograph - LANL PA-98-0520
      Photograph of Trinity Site atomic bomb explosion, 0.016 second after explosion on July 16, 1945. The viewed hemisphere's highest point in this image is about 200 meters
    • Trinity Site - Map
      Map - Historic American Engineering Record, Library of Congress
      This is a map of the Manhattan Project sites. The document highlights the detonation site at White Sands, NM and the atomic testing.  HAER (Historic American Engineering Record) complied this information after 1968. LOC: HAER NM,27-ALMOG.V,1A-
    • Trinity Site - Survey Photo
      Photograph - Historic American Engineering Record, Library of Congress
      Photo of Trinity Site, location of the first atomic detonation. This photo was taken by a survey team years later. One can see the ranch house and barn.  HAER (Historic American Engineering Record) photographers took this photo in April,
  • Bataan Death March
    • 200th Prepares to Depart for West Coast
      Newspaper Article - Clovis News Journal
      This article establishes the time frame for the movement of the 200th Coast Artillery to the West Coast and eventual transport to the
    • Death March Victim Safe
      Newspaper Article - Santa Fe New Mexican
      This is an article provided by a survivor of the Bataan Death March, who escaped and hid for nearly three years before rejoining U. S.
    • National Guard Gets Its Order to Mobilize
      Newspaper Article - Clovis News Journal
      Five New Mexico National Guard units in the 200th Coast Artillery received orders on January 3, 1941 to mobilize for a year's service. The 200th units were from Gallup, Santa Fe, Taos. Deming, and Clovis. The newly-formed 104th Anti-tank battalion,
    • Sgt. Kiesov, Once Reported Dead, Captive
      Newspaper Article - Santa Fe New Mexican
      This article written in December of 1942 tells of the status of the 200th Coast Artillery. The Death March occurred prior to this and Sgt. Kiesov survived

New Mexico Role in Cold War (1945-89)

  • German Scientists Move to NM
    • American V-2 Rocket Facilities
      Primary Document - Library of Congress
      The Historic American Engineering Record complied pictures and drawings of the American V-2 Rocket Facilities at White Sands, NM. These were done after 1968. The development of the large liquid fueled rocket, which has profoundly affected events in
    • Commemorative Plaque at V2 Gantry Base
      Photograph - Library of Congress
      The development of the large liquid fueled rocket, which has profoundly affected events in the twentieth century, was initiated by the Germans in the 1930s and, after World War II, continued by the United States at White Sands Proving Ground (now
    • Gantry Crane view from Blast Pit
      Photograph - Historic American Engineering Record Collection, Library of Congress
      This photo shows the Gantry Crane where the rocket would be launched and the blast pit. In all, 67 V-2 rockets were assembled and tested at White Sands between 1946 and 1952, providing the U.S. invaluable experience in the assembly, pre-flight
  • Sandia National Laboratories
    • Sandia Base is Now Producing Atomic Weapons
      Newspaper Article - Las Cruces Sun News
      This document describes the details leading to the establishment of what later became Sandia National Laboratories. It explains the separation from Los Alamos and the role of the Atomic Energy
  • Home Bomb Shelters

New Mexico Role in New Deal

  • Depression Migration Patterns
    • Dust Bowl Families
      Photograph - Library of Congress
      In this picture, three related drought refugee families have stalled on the highway near Lordsburg, New Mexico. From farms near Claremore, Oklahoma, they have been working as migratory workers in Calfornia and Arizona and are now trying to get to
  • CCC Camps
    • State to get Six CCC Camps
      Newspaper Article - Albuquerque Journal
      This article defines the CCC camps that were to be instituted in New
  • WPA Projects

Major Entertainment Events

  • Inter-Tribal Indian Ceremonial
    • Start Plans Now for Ceremonial to be Held Next Year
      Newspaper Article - The Gallup Independent
      The articles in 1922 have been restricted from the Access Newspaper Archive database. This article talks about the second Indian ceremonial, which in effect defines the existance of the first. This was a long article and is presented in two parts.
  • Start of Santa Fe Opera
    • First Opera Season Starts at Santa Fe
      Newspaper Article - Farmington Daily Times
      This article summarizes the start-up of the Santa Fe Opera. The Farmington article provided a shorter summary. There are other articles providing additional details on and around this
  • Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
    • Albuquerque Balloon Event Getting Boosts
      Newspaper Article - Alamogordo Daily News
      This article is a summary of the early balloon fiesta activities. This reflects what was seen in Alamogordo. There are other longer articles published around this time frame that provide additional
    • Use for Hot Air: Balloon Races Pending
      Newspaper Article - Albuquerque Journal
      This article describes the plans for the first hot-air balloon race in Albuquerque.  This describes the start of the events that led to the formation of the Albuquerque International Balloon
  • Norman Petty Studio in Clovis
    • Norman Petty Recordings Put Clovis on Map
      Newspaper Article - Clovis News Journal
      The original article about Norman Petty is long. An important part of the article is the association of Norman Petty with Buddy Holly. Due to the length of the article, only excerpts are provided. The article was written after Buddy was killed in an
  • Initial NM State Fair
  • Pari-Mutual Betting
    • Side Lights
      Newspaper Article - Clovis New Mexico Evening News
      This short article time stamps when pari-mutual betting was authorized in New Mexico. It also has other interesting
  • Indian Casinos
    • Potential Problem
      Newspaper Article - Roswell Daily Record
      This article describes the status of Indian gaming in New Mexico. The article also addresses the U. S. Supreme Court position on the sale of liquor on the
  • First Intercollegiate Championship
    • NMMI Plays Top Polo in Beating Favored Tigers
      Newspaper Article - Las Cruces Sun News
      NMMI won the first intercollegiate sporting event in New Mexico and this is the article announcing this. NMMI was a four-year college at this

Major Transportation Facilities

  • Federal Highways
    • Sec. Jardine Approves of System U. S. Highways
      Newspaper Article - Roswell Daily Record
      This is the article that announces the approval of the nation's highways. This is the start of naming such highways as U. S. 85 as a Federal Highway. U. S. 66 wasn't officially named until August
  • Rio Grande Gorge Bridge
  • Route 66
    • Approval of National Highway System
      Newspaper Article - Roswell Daily Record
      This article is the official announcement of the formation of United States Highways by the Secretary of Transportation, which defines 75,884 miles of highway that will be forwarded to the American Association of State Highway Officials. The federal
    • Central Avenue 1943
      Photograph - Office of War Information Collections, Library of Congress
      This is a photo of Central Ave. in 1943. The photo was taken by John Collier Jr. as part of the Farm Security Administration - Office of War Information Collections at the Library of Congress. In 1941 to 1943, Collier worked as a photographer with
    • Charity Function After Underpass Completion
      Newspaper Article - Albuquerque Journal
      This article provides insight to some of the fights that went on in Albuquerque regarding the location and use of the Central Avenue Underpass. The article points out that the Tijeras Avenue Underpass and Coal Avenue Viaduct were also included in
    • Completion of Central Avenue Underpass
      Newspaper Article - Albuquerque Journal
      This article discusses the ceremonies associated with the opening of the Central Avenue Underpass. Governor Clyde Tingley will be presiding and Oklahoma Governor E. W. Marland and wife will be
    • Cutoff Road to be U. S. 66
      Newspaper Article - Albuquerque Journal
      This article announces the official federal changing of the alignment of U. S. 66. Prior to this U. S. 66 went through Santa Fe and Los Lunas. Now it goes through Moriarty and along the east-west Central Avenue in Albuquerque instead of the
    • Federal Approval of Santa Rosa-Laguna Shortcut
      Newspaper Article - Albuquerque Journal
      This article documents the New Mexico State Highway Commission requesting the U. S. Bureau of Public Roads to designate the Santa Rosa and Laguna cut-offs as federal aid highways. The article points out the role of the Central Avenue bridge across
    • Hotel Franciscan
      Photograph - Office of War Information Photograph Collection, Library of Congress
      This is a photo of the Hotel Franciscan by John Collier Jr. taken in 1943 as part of the Farm Security Administration - Office of War Information Photograph Collection at the Library of Congress. Address: Central Avenue and Sixth Street, northwest
    • Laguna Cut-off Oiled
      Newspaper Article - Albuquerque Journal
      This article discusses New Mexico State Highway Commission approved projects that will receive funding. The article discusses the segments of the cut-off that will be oiled between Albuquerque and Laguna. For reference, this road is identified as
    • Luna Lodge
      Photograph - Library of Congress
      The Luna Lodge was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1998 and described as one of the best examples of a largely unaltered tourist court remaining along New Mexico Route 66. In 2006, the motel was documented for the Historic
    • NM Legislature Approval of NM 6
      Primary Document - H. B. No. 28; New Mexico Legislature Approved March 19, 1925
      This is a copy of the bill that the New Mexico State House of Representatives drafted, approved and signed into law. The bill defined a road that will go from Santa Rosa and Guadalupe County to Moriarty in Torrance County.
    • NM Legislature, HB 28, March 19, 1925
      Primary Document - N. M. Archives
      This is the New Mexico House Bill that authorized the creation of a state road from Santa Rosa to Moriarty. The bill explains how bonding is authorized for Guadalupe County, but Torrance County is not mentioned. This legislative action in 1925
    • NM-AZ State Line
      Photograph - Farm Security Administration Collection, Library of Congress
      This is a photo of the Arizona-New Mexico state line. This is the entrance to Route 66 in New Mexico. It was taken by Arthur Rothstein in 1940 and is part of the Farm Security Administration Collection at the Library of
    • Rally Supporting Re-aligned Highway in NM
      Newspaper Article - Albuquerque Journal
      This article identifies Route 66 as the Will Rogers Highway and discusses making plans for the formal plans of opening the highway. Paving of Route 66 is discussed. Clyde Tingley is the principal speaker at the
    • Record of Federal Support for Santa Rosa and Laguna Cut-offs
      Newspaper Article - Albuquerque Journal
      This paragraph summarized the action of the Bureau of Public roads in including the cut-offs for federal aid. In effect, this action provided funds for the construction of the Rio Puerco Bridge and final road construction to achieve a paved-
  • Albuquerque Airport
    • Albuquerque Pilots Plan Mass Flight
      Newspaper Article - Roswell Daily Record
      The Albuquerque Airport was not dedicated in a ceremony. Commercial flights had already started. Instead local pilots met and used the airport to celebrate the occasion. This article describes these
  • Spaceport America
    • New Tag
      Newspaper Article - Alamogordo Daily News
      The article explains the features of Spaceport America as it receives a new
  • Interstate Highways
    • Some 500 Miles of Interstate Highways Open
      Newspaper Article - Albuquerque Journal
      This article explains the inaugaration of the Interstate highway sysem in New Mexico. It explains some of the funding of the Interstate system. Nearly half of the planned miles were open at the time the article was

Natural Resources and Industries

  • Elephant Butte Dam
    • Elephant Butte Dam - Building the Dam
      Photograph - US Reclamation Service?
      This photo shows the building the Elephant Butte Dam. The concrete structure was the largest irrigation system at the time (2.2 million acre feet).  The photo was taken in
    • Elephant Butte Dam - Completed Dam
      Photograph - US Geographic File
      This a picture of the Elephant Butte Dam. This concrete structure that is 301 feet high was the largest irrigation structure built at the
    • Elephant Butte Dam to be Dedicated October
      Newspaper Article - Roswell Daily Record
      This article documents the activities leading to the dedication of Elephant Butte Dam on October 14, 1916. The article provides some details of the dam and its
  • Discovery of Oil near Hobbs
  • Acequias at Statehood
    • ARTICLE XVI, Irrigation and Water Rights
      Primary Document - NM Constitution
      This article explains irrigation and water rights at statehood and has an added Section 5 to cover appeals. Section 5 was approved by the voters on November 7,
    • Digging a Ditch in Taos, NM
      Photograph - Farm Security Administration Collection, Library of Congress
      Digging a ditch to catch the water from the melting snow. The aridity of this land and complete absence of water supply make such efforts necessary. Taos land use project, New Mexico. This photo was taken in 1936 as part of the Farm Security
    • El Cerrito - Aerial View
      Photograph - Library of Congress
      This is photograph of the town from above to show how the town was organized. Information, including photographs and drawings, were complied and done by the Historic American Engineering Record in 1975. The town is a small element in a great
    • La Bajada Community Acequia
      Drawing - Library of Congress
      This drawing is the overview of the La Bajada community water system. This drawing completed in 2011 and complied by Historic American Engineering Record. La Bajada village with its long lots and adjacent acequia is a typical example of a New
    • Main Irrigation Canal, Bosque Farms
      Photograph - Farm Security Administration Collection, Library of Congress
      This is a photo of the main irrigation canal in Bosque Farms, NM. This photo was taken by Arthur Rothstein in 1936. This photo is part of the Farm Security Administration Collection at the Library of
    • Protection of Community Acequias
      Primary Document - NM Legislature, H. B. 185
      The document is the Act for the Protection of Community Acequias that was passed in
    • Truchas Molino - Rodenzo
      Photograph - Library of Congress
      This is a photo of the rodenzo (the wheel) part of the Truchas Molino and thus the La Cienega Acequia. This information and subsequent drawings were complied and completed by the Historic American Engineering Record after 1968. The photograph was
    • Water for 4,000,000 Acres
      Newspaper Article - Ft. Sumner Review
      This is a period document that describes the water resources in New Mexico in
  • Films at Statehood
    • Local Items of Interest
      Newspaper Article - Farmington Enterprise
      This short article was included as part of Local Items of Interest. It explains the activities of an employee of the Biograph Company, which operated out of New York from 1895-1928. Films were produced in New Mexico before statehood by companies
  • High Tech
    • City takes aim at high tech lure
      Newspaper Article - Santa Fe New Mexican
      This article explains the conditions and problems of a city wishing to expand its industrial
  • Ranching
    • Land Act Meet Here on Sept. 14
      Newspaper Article - Albuquerque Journal
      This article deals with the Federal act that was passed in 1934. The act was prepared to prevent overgrazing on public lands being used as an open
  • Agriculture
    • Federal Official Grain Standards
      Newspaper Article - House Pioneer News
      This article describes the responsibility of the Secretary of Agriculture to establish grain standards for grain shipped in interstate or foreign commerce. The act was passed on August 11,
  • Mining
    • Off the Beaten Path
      Newspaper Article - Albuquerque Tribune
      This articles describes the details of the person, Paddy Martinez, who discovered Uranium in western Valencia County in

Parks and Monuments

  • National Monuments
    • Sights of Santa Fe
      Newspaper Article - Santa Fe New Mexican
      There were no national monuments at the time of statehood. An interesting article in 1907 showed the process and explained how the Old Palace was being promoted as a National Monument. El Morro was established as the first National Monument in New
  • National Park Service
    • Pigeon Ranch - Pecos National Park
      Drawing - Library of Congress
      During March 26-28, 1862, Union forces defeated Confederates from Texas in the significant Civil War Battle of Glorieta Pass. The heaviest fighting occurred at Pigeon's Ranch, March 28, the hacienda serving as a temporary field hospital with many of
    • The Kent Bill
      Newspaper Article - Santa Fe New Mexican
      This article explains the features of the Kent Bill, which was used to establish the National Park Service. This article time-dates the activities leading to establish this service. The National Park Service administers National
    • Tourist Sign Taos, NM
      Photograph - Farm Security Administration Collection, Library of Congress
      Sign for tourists erected by the Forest Service, Taos, New Mexico. This photo was taken in 1940 and is part of the Farm Security Administration Collection at the Library of
  • Historic Site Preservation
    • A New Cavalry Drill in the United States Army - Fort Bayard, NM
      Drawing - Library of Congress
      Harper's Weekly drawing shows part of the Sixth Cavalry drilling in the region around Fort Bayard, New Mexico firing over their horses, which lie flat on the ground. In 1865, General Carlton, commander of the District of New Mexico, requested that
    • Alvarado Hotel
      Photograph - Library of Congress, Prints and Photographs Division
      This is a exterior photo of the Alvarado hotel in Albuquerque, New Mexico
    • Bottomless Lakes To Be Made State Park With Federal Help
      Newspaper Article - Albuquerque Journal
      This article describes the details leading to the establishment of the first state park in New Mexico at Bottomless Lakes near Roswell. The work will involve contributions from the Civilian Conservation
    • Fort Bayard - Panoramic Photograph
      Photograph - Panoramic Photographs Collection, Library of Congress
      Fort Bayard, New Mexico, Alt. 6132; U.S. Public Health Service Hospital no. 55; Colonel H. E. Whitledge, Medical Officer in Charge. Fort Bayard played an integral role in protecting settlers and miners in the Los Pinos and Silver City mining
    • Fort Bayard Medical Hospital
      Photograph - Fort Bayard Historic Site - Gallery (fortbayard.org)
      In 1865, General Carlton, commander of the District of New Mexico, requested that a new fort be established in the southwest region to protect the early settlers, miners and travelers from the Apache. Fort Bayard, located in the homeland of the
    • Interior of Oldest Church in United States, Santa Fe, N.M.
      Photograph - Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division
      Stereograph showing ornate altar and altarpiece of San Miguel Mission with religious figures and candlesticks on the lower level; portraits on the wall above; and Jesus standing on far left.  This stereograph card was taken in 1909 and is part of
    • Kimo Theater 1943
      Photograph - Farm Security Administration - Office of War Information Photograph Collection, Library of Congress
      The KiMo Theatre, a Pueblo Deco picture palace, opened on Sept. 19, 1927. It was commissioned by the innovative Oresete Bachechi, who had envisioned a Southwestern style theater for Albuquerque This photograph was taken by John Collier Jr. in 1943.
    • Kimo Theater 1980
      Photograph - Highsmith (Carol M.) Archive, Library of Congress
      The KiMo Theatre, a Pueblo Deco picture palace, opened on Sept. 19, 1927. It was commissioned by the innovative Oresete Bachechi, who had envisioned a Southwestern style theater for Albuquerque. This photograph was taken in 1980 by Carol Highsmith.
    • KiMo Theater Entrance 1980
      Photograph - Highsmith (Carol M.) Archive, Library of Congress
      The KiMo Theatre, a Pueblo Deco picture palace, opened on Sept. 19, 1927. It was commissioned by the innovative Oresete Bachechi, who had envisioned a Southwestern style theater for Albuquerque. This photograph was taken of the entrance to the KiMo
    • Kit Carson House, Taos, NM
      Photograph - Historic American Buildings Survey, Library of Congress
      Kit Carson House, Kit Carson Avenue, Taos, Taos County, NM. This photo and information about Kit Carson House was complied by the Historic American Buildings Survey after 1933. This is part of the Historic American Engineering and Historic
    • Native Art on adobe wall, Taos County
      Photograph - Farm Security Administration - Office of War Information Photograph Collection, Library of Congress
      Native art on adobe wall. Amalia, New Mexico. This photograph was taken by Russell Lee in 1940 as part of the Farm Security Administration Collection at the Library of
    • Oldest Church in the United States, Santa Fe, N.M.
      Photograph - Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division
      Stereograph showing exterior of San Miguel Mission partially obscured by tree. San Miguel Mission is known as the oldest church in the US.  This stereograph card was taken in 1909 and is part of the Stereograph Cards Collection at the Library of
    • Santa Fe Plaza
      Photograph - Farm Security Administration - Office of War Information Photograph Collection, Library of Congress
      This is a photograph of the Santa Fe Plaza in 1943. This photo was taken by John Collier Jr. In 1941 to 1943, Collier worked as a photographer with the Farm Security Administration and the Office of War Information under Roy Stryker and documented
    • Second New Mexico Governor's Mansion
      Photograph - Farm Security Administration - Office of War Information Photograph Collection, Library of Congress
      This photo is of the Second New Mexico Governor's Mansion in 1943. This mansion was used from 1870 until the new Governor's mansion was built in 1954.  The first mansion was located at what is now the Palace of the Governors. The photo was taken
  • Establishment of Carlsbad Caverns
    • A Big Cave in New Mexico
      Newspaper Article - Santa Fe New Mexican
      This article describes the history of the establishment of Carlsbad Caverns as a National
    • Carlsbad Caverns National Park - Giant Dome
      Photograph - Ansel Adams Collection at the National Park Service, National Archives
      This photo by Ansel Adams is "The Giant Dome" which was the largest stalagmite that had been discovered in 1941-42. It is 16 ft. in diameter and estimated to be 60 million years old. In 1941 the National Park Service commissioned noted
    • Carlsbad Caverns National Park - The Big Room
      Photograph - Ansel Adams Collection at the National Park Service, National Archives
      In 1941 the National Park Service commissioned noted photographer Ansel Adams to create a photo mural for the Department of the Interior Building in Washington, DC. The theme was to be nature as exemplified and protected in the U.S. National Parks.
    • Carlsbad Caverns National Park - The Rock of Ages
      Photograph - Ansel Adams Collection at the National Park Service, National Archives
      In 1941 the National Park Service commissioned noted photographer Ansel Adams to create a photo mural for the Department of the Interior Building in Washington, DC. The theme was to be nature as exemplified and protected in the U.S. National Parks.
  • Establishment of Gila Wilderness
    • Transfer of Land to Gila National Forest
      Map - Library of Congress
      President Hoover order transferring land to Gila National Forest. This 1931 map is referred to in Executive Order of December 24, 1931 which transferred lands from one forest, the Datil, to the Gila National

Noteworthy Items

  • Tierra Amarilla Raid
    • Guns Bristle at S. F. Court Hearing
      Newspaper Article - Albuquerque Journal
      This article describes legal activities related to the raid on the Tierra Amarillo Courthouse. The raid occurred on June 5,
  • Santa Fe Prison Riot
    • NM Prison Riot
      Photograph - Albuquerque Journal
      The New Mexico Prison Riot, which took place on February 2 and 3, 1980, in the state's maximum security prison south of Santa Fe, was one of the most violent prison riots in the history of the American correctional system: 33 inmates died and more
  • Roswell Incident
  • Smokey Recovered
    • Cub "Smokey" Departs June 27 for New Job
      Newspaper Article - Santa Fe New Mexican
      This article describes the activities leading to the transfer of Smokey to the National Zoological Gardens in Washington, DC to be a symbol or wild life and natural
  • Initiation of Very Large Array
  • Representative Artist
    • Georgia O'Keeffe Portrait
      Photograph - Carl Van Vechten Collection, Library of Congress
      Photograph of Georgia O'Keeffe in Abiquiu, NM in 1950. This photo is part of the Carl Van Vechten Collection at the Library of
    • Panel Says O'Keeffe home is national historic site
      Newspaper Article - Santa Fe New Mexican
      There are many renowned artists in New Mexico. Other sources should be consulted to obtain this information. It was felt that artists should recognized in New Mexico historical activities and a representative artist has been chosen for this purpose.
  • Representative Craftsman
    • Potter Maria Martinez: Living Tradition Honored
      Newspaper Article - Albuquerque Journal
      There are many renowned craftsmen and craftswomen in New Mexico. Other sources should be consulted to obtain information about them. It was felt that crafts people should be recognized in New Mexico historical activities and a representative
  • Representative Writer
    • Albuquerque Best Seller: Rudolpho Anaya
      Newspaper Article - The Albuquerque Tribune
      There are many famous authors in New Mexico. Other sources should be consulted to obtain this information. It was felt that writers should be recognized in New Mexico historical activities and a representative author has been chosen for this
  • TB Sanitariums
    • Would Build Sanatarium
      Newspaper Article - Deming Headlight
      This article written in 1914 describes the features leading to the treatment of tuberculosis in New

Citizen’s Topics

  • Women’s’ Suffrage
    • Women and Politics
      Newspaper Article - Roswell Daily Record
      The article discusses activities following the ratification of the 19th amendment to give women the right to vote. The effective date of ratification was Ausust 26,
  • Women’s Emergence in Work Force
    • Women's movement twists traditions
      Newspaper Article - Las Vegas Optic
      This article describes describes the emergence of women into the workforce for that time. It documents experiences of women during this
  • Native Americans get to Vote
    • Indian Ruling Boosts Vote
      Newspaper Article - Clovis News Journal
      The short article documents the fact that Indians now have the right to vote. The revised status was based on a court
  • Tribal Autonomy
    • 'Don't take us for granted,' Indian leaders tell Democrats
      Newspaper Article - Alamogordo Daily News
      This article explains feeling of Indian group leaders Sam Deloria, a Souix, and Wendell Chino, an Apache, regarding the sovereignty of Indian Tribes and their expectations from the Democratic
  • Multi-cultural Assimilation
    • ARTICLE XII, Education; and ARTICLE XX, Miscellaneous
      Primary Document - NM Constitution
      Four sections from the NM Constitution have been selected to provide basic information on the multi-cultural relations that were defined by the Constitutional Convention at Statehood. The sections deal with the use of Spanish in both the publication
    • State Press Comment
      Newspaper Article - Alamogordo News Advertiser
      This article explains feelings of fifteen Indian group leaders as they went to Washington to ask the Secretary of the Interior to accept their 600,000 acres of land in a trust so that they would avoid state

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