New Mexico
welcomes you with color and art, music and dance, breathtaking landscapes, and a
heritage of Indian, Anglo, and Hispanic cultures that cannot be found in any other
state in the union. From prehistoric times until the present, cultures and tribes
have journeyed through New Mexico's land. From the north, various native American
tribes have wandered in, and from the south, people from Mexico, and Spaniards as
well, and Europeans have added to the mix. Pueblo, Apache, Navajo and others are all
part of the incredible diversity that marks the vibrant culture of New Mexico.
The people,
their heritage and traditions, their skills and their arts, and the land, its awesome
beauty, all make New Mexico the unique and colorful place that it is today.
| THE NAME:
The name of this state is an anglicized version of "Nuevo Mexico," the Spanish
name for the upper Rio Grande. Mexico, an Aztec spelling, means "place of Mexitli"
one of the Aztec gods.
Source: Shearer, Benjamin F. and Barbara S.
State
Names, Seals, Flags and Symbols Greenwood Press, Westport, Connecticut - 1994 |
| THE NICKNAMES:
Land of Enchantment: (Official) The "Land of Enchantment" describes New Mexico's scenic beauty
and its rich history. This legend was placed on New Mexico license plates in 1941. This nickname became the
official State Nickname of New Mexico on April 8, 1999.
The Cactus State: or "Land of the Cactus" refers to the cacti that grow so abundantly in the state,
particularly along the border with Mexico and on the plains.
The Spanish State: New Mexico has been referred to as "The Spanish State" because of its border
with Mexico, its historical background and the proportion of its Spanish speaking population.
The Land of Sunshine: or "The Sunshine State" are nicknames that refer to the generous
portion of sunshine that "rains" down upon New Mexico. "Sunshine State" appeared on state license plates
before 1941.
The Land of the Delight Makers: This nickname, suggested by George Wharton James, was to celebrate the
state's influence on literature and art and because "...it is also the home of the first real field-school of
American Archaeology in America." The name was suggested by a book by Adolf Bandelier, The
Delight Makers.
The Land of Opportunity: So called because of its natural beauty, its climate, its newness at the time,
its free lands and its industries. New Mexico was described as place that offered enough opportunity
to fulfill the hopes of all who came.
The Land of the Heart's Desire: This is another historical nickname that promoted New Mexico as a land of
unbound opportunity. Its location was between the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean, it provided an ideal
climate and was still relatively undeveloped.
Source: Shearer, Benjamin F. and Barbara S. State
Names, Seals, Flags and Symbols Greenwood Press, Westport, Connecticut - 1994
Shankle, George Earlie, Phd State Names, Flags, Seals, Songs, Birds, Flowers and
Other Symbols H. H. Wilson Company, New York - 1938 (Reprint) |
THE CITIZENS:
People who live in New Mexico or who come from New Mexico are called New Mexicans. |
THE QUARTER:
 |
| U.S. Mint Image |
The second commemorative quarter-dollar coin released in 2008 honors New Mexico, and is the 47th coin in the United States Mint’s 50 State Quarters® Program. New Mexico, nicknamed the "Land of Enchantment," was admitted into the Union on January 6, 1912, becoming our Nation’s 47th state. The reverse of New Mexico’s quarter features a Zia sun symbol over a topographical outline of the State with the inscription "Land of Enchantment." The coin also bears the inscriptions "New Mexico" and "1912."
The great influence of Native American cultures can be found throughout New Mexico. The Zia Pueblo believe the sun symbol represents the giver of all good, who gave gifts in groups of four. From the circle representing life and love without beginning or end, the four groups of four rays that emanate represent the four directions, the four seasons, the four phases of a day (sunrise, noon, evening, and night), and the four divisions of life (childhood, youth, middle years, and old age).
The New Mexico Coin Commission, appointed by Governor Bill Richardson, solicited and reviewed approximately 1,000 concept submissions from state citizens. The Commission then constructed four narrative concepts that represented the most popular elements submitted by the public and forwarded them to the United States Mint for consideration. The final artistic renderings developed by United States Mint Sculptor-Engravers and artists participating in the United States Mint’s Artistic Infusion Program were then proposed to New Mexico for a final selection process. On April 24, 2007, Governor Richardson announced his recommendation of the "Zia Symbol over Topographical State Outline" design.
The Department of the Treasury approved the design on May 25, 2007. The other three designs considered were "Zia Symbol over Textured State Outline," "Textured Zia Symbol over State Outline," and "Zia Symbol over Textured State Outline," with the Zia symbol marking the location of the capital, Santa Fe.
For more on the state commemorative quarters, visit this page.
This 50 State Quarter Map is a great way to collect and display all 50 State Quarters. |
For more on the state commemorative quarters, visit this page.
This 50 State Quarter Map is a great way to collect and display all 50 State Quarters.
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