The state of New Mexico turns 100 years old in 2012. The earliest known inhabitants of New Mexico were the Clovis people — their artifacts have been dated to 10,000 years ago. Later Native American people settled the area in pueblo dwellings. In the 1500s, the Spanish settlers followed what they believed was a trail of gold into the American Southwest.
Following the Mexican-American War, from 1846-1848 and the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848, Mexico forcibly ceded its sparsely settled northern holdings, today known as the American Southwest and California to the United States of America in exchange for an end to hostilities, the evacuation of Mexico City and many other areas under American control. Mexico also received $15 million cash, plus the assumption of slightly more than $3 million in outstanding Mexican debts.
Throughout the year, many communities in New Mexico will be hosting special events to commemorate the anniversary. You can find more information on all these locations at http://nmcentennial.org/. However, we do want to highlight a couple big events that look like lots of fun.
Albuquerque Centennial Summerfest
Celebrate the centennial at a huge block party with dancing, food, music, car shows, an arts market, free children’s activities and a territorial village. The big blast will take place on Saturday, June 16, at the Civic Plaza and Central Avenue.
New Mexico Centennial Pony Express Ride
On May 26, 2012, New Mexico will celebrate the Pony Express — the amazing delivery riders who traveled from Missouri to California and back again delivering vital news and mail. The ride will kick off in front of the Western Heritage Museum Complex in Hobbs. The mail, which will be collected from locations throughout southeastern New Mexico will be carried by dozens of riders. The relay riders will travel over 365 miles, visiting towns, villages and scenic stops on route to Santa Fe. On June 8, 2012 the riders will end their journey as the mail is given to Santa U.S. Post Office
Geocaching New Mexico Official Centennial Project Events
Throughout the year, geocachers in New Mexico are encouraged to go wild! On January 6, all geocachers in New Mexico were challenged to hide a geocache to commemorate the centennial date of the establishment of the State of New Mexico. Throughout the year, there will be special geocaching events in various locations throughout the state. The wrap-up event will take place on December 8 in Santa Fe. For more specifics about each event, as they become available: http://geocachingnewmexico.wikispaces.com/
Happy Anniversary to the folks in New Mexico!
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