New Mexico Tourist Attractions, Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Roswell, Weather, Maps

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In search of gold, Explorer Vasquez de Coronado was said to have traveled through New Mexico in 1540 convinced that the adobe pueblos were the legendary Seven Cities of Gold.

Shortly afterward, Coronado left the territory no richer, but perhaps a bit wiser.

Under the rule of Spain from the 16th century, Spanish missionaries also were helping to spread the teachings of Christianity throughout the territory. 20 years before the first pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, they built North America's first church in 1598 at San Juan Pueblo.

New Mexico - The Best Place in the Universe

Following the U.S.-Mexican War in 1848, most of New Mexico became American territory. The surrender of Geronimo marked the end to the Apache Wars and other area Indian conflicts in 1886.

Today, New Mexico is an industry leader in mining (not gold - but silver, uranium and copper) along with oil and gas production, construction, and tourism.

Major New Mexico tourist attractions include the Billy the Kid Museum at Fort Sumner, the Carlsbad Caverns, the state capital at Santa Fe, (also home to the Georgia O'Keefe Museum) and even top New Mexico ski resorts in the Northern Central Rockies region.

The state's association with UFO sightings remains another huge tourist draw at Roswell, where a purported close encounter with aliens in 1947 is commemorated in that city's popular UFO Museum.

also see -> New Mexico Campgrounds | New Mexico State Fair

New Mexico Lakes & Beaches | New Mexico Wineries

Christmas in New Mexico | Moving to New Mexico

More information about New Mexico travel & tourism around the Web:

New Mexico Land of Enchantment - Travel news & updates, featured destinations, major tourist attractions, hotels & restaurant, event schedule, festivals, maps, pictures, travel video clips.

New Mexico Attractions, Roadside America - The strange & offbeat attractions you'll find in New Mexico including the UFO Museum, Toilet Rock, Smokey the Bear's grave, and lots more.

New Mexico Cultural Treasures - Search by alphabetical listing or by region for museums, libraries and historic sites throughout the state.

Espanola Online - Explore Northern New Mexico with information on historic Chimayo, Abiquiu (home of Georgia O'Keeffe), Ghost Ranch, Los Alamos, Bandelier National Park, Puye Cliffs, Indian pueblos, Taos, Santa Fe and more, with pictures, restaurant guide and hotels.

Albuquerque Convention & Visitors Bureau - Feature travel stories, event calendar, photos, maps, self-guided tours, hotel & restaurants, a guide to New Mexico Indian culture, practical travel info and contact numbers.

Santa Fe Visitors Information - Check out an extensive visitor guide featuring a directory of hotels & restaurants, events, attractions, entertainment, picture slideshow.