New Mexico...
New Mexico was discovered when the tale of the seven cities of gold enticed the Spanish conquistador Coronado to explore the area in 1540. New Mexico was the 47th state to enter the Union in 1912 and it is commonly called the “Land of Enchantment.” When a lot of people think about New Mexico, they envision cattle drives, rodeos, and cowboys and it is even referred to as part of the “Old West.” When you are in New Mexico and look at local architecture and artwork you can see remnants of what the Apache Indians that once inhabited the area left behind. Many of the buildings also resemble work of the Pueblo Indians.

Today, New Mexico has strong Hispanic influence. This is because from the 16th century up until 1846 or so, the land was under Spanish control. The state even has a second nickname of the “Spanish State.” The capital of New Mexico is even Santa Fe, which was founded during that era in 1610. The yucca is the state flower of New Mexico and the state tree is the two needle pinion pine. Despite Santa Fe being the capital, the largest city is Albuquerque.