The United States is made up of 50 very different and unique states, all of which possess their own reputations and identities. This Native American gallery seeks to shed light on the culture, history, and people that New Mexico is identified by. There’s more to New Mexico than being the fictional setting of High School Musical or the home of Billy the Kid. The territory became a state in 1912, but is witness to over 500 years of Hispanic culture and 2,500 years of Native American culture. There are 22 tribes in New Mexico today that continue to live the pueblo lifestyle. In 1945, as part of the Manhattan Project, the first atomic bomb was tested in central New Mexico. In 1947, the town of Roswell became a tourist attraction after a rancher discovered strange debris on his property that many believe to be a sign of extraterrestrial life. 1972 saw the start of the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta, which has grown to become the world’s most photographed event every year. True to its license plate slogan, this state will make you realize you truly are in the land of enchantment.
