New Mexico

New Mexico, the 47th state admitted to the union, became a state on January 6, 1912. Prior to statehood, New Mexico became a territory in 1850 after the Mexican-American War. The original path to statehood was halted by the Congressional Compromise of 1850. The Territory of New Mexico was created by the compromise and included not only the common day New Mexico, but also parts of what are known today as the states of Arizona and Colorado. The boot of New Mexico was acquired in 1853 in the Gadsden Purchase.http://www.newmexico.org/learn/timeline/statehood.php

The state of New Mexico has a unique blend of cultures due to its history as a part of Spain, Mexico, and then as an American territory. When the Spanish settlers came, they annexed the area as part of New Spain. The area then passed into Mexican control after the Mexican War of Independence and was ceded to America after the Mexican-American War. Today there exists a strong mix of Mexican, Hispanic, Anglo and Native American cultures.http://www.newmexico.org/learn/timeline/statehood.php

One of New Mexico's most important legacies is the Los Alamos Research Center which was established in Los Alamos in 1943 as a place for scientists to secretly develop the atomic bomb. Visitors can learn about the history of the atomic bomb at a museum dedicated to it in the city of Los Alamos. The bomb was first detonated at the Trinity Site in the White Sands Proving Grounds area.http://www.newmexico.org/learn/timeline/statehood.php

Visitors to New Mexico can enjoy the International Balloon Festival held in Albuquerque annually in October or the annual UFO festival held in Roswell over 4th of July weekend.http://www.newmexico.org/news/press_kit/index.php Other attractions include Alameda Park Zoo, White Sands Missile Range and Carlsbad Caverns.

New Mexico has a long list of official state designations. A few of the commonly recognized ones include:http://www.newmexico.org/kids/learn/faqs.php

1. Flower: Yucca
2. Bird: Roadrunner
3. Tree: Pinon
4. Mammal: Black Bear
5. Fish: Cutthroat Trout
6. Gem: Turquoise
7. Colors: Red and yellow