|
|
|
New Mexico State Name Origin:
New Mexico Geology and Topography Map: USGS
|
New Mexico was named by the Spanish for lands north of the Rio Grande River (the upper region of the Rio Grande was called Nuevo Mexico as early as 1561). The name was anglicized and applied to the land ceded to the United States by Mexico after the Mexican American War. Mexico is an Aztec word meaning "place of Mexitli" (an Aztec god). New Mexico became the 47th state on January 6, 1912.
Yucca (New Mexico state flower) in Desert National Wildlife Refuge:
photo by John and Karen Hollingsworth / U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
|
|
|
|
|
Source:
|
|
Links:
|
|
State Symbols USA is a nonprofit organization promoting
appreciation for our natural treasures and cultural heritage.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
