Archive for: Local History

New Mexico Statehood: What Took So Long?

This video answers the question “Why did it take more than 60 years for New Mexico to transition from Territory to State?”

Origins of Truth or Consequences

A timeline of the inhabitation and development of the area that is modern-day Truth or Consequences. The Warm Springs Apaches are thought to be the earliest inhabitants of the area. Three centuries later, the first adobe structure, a hot springs bath, was built by the John Cross Cattle Company. Elephant Butte Dam construction began in 1911, and New Mexico achieved statehood in 1912. Both of these factors led to rapid growth in Hot Springs (renamed Truth or Consequences in 1950).

Boom & Bust

The story of the mining boom that energized and built Sierra County, New Mexico.

Jack Martin’s Well

Jack Martin’s well, dug in 1868, opened up the way for settlement, development and permanent ranching in an area that was previously known only as the Jornada del Muerto, or Journey of Death. The well is still pumping plenty of good water and has a new neighbor – Spaceport America. The story of “El Aleman” is also included as part of this video, since Jack Martin’s ranch and the well are located at the Aleman site.

The Streets of T or C

A trip through the streets of Truth or Consequences, which were planned circa 1914 and then named and renamed through the years.

Headlights and Taillights

A collection of images and interesting facts relating to Sierra County, dating from the late 1800s to 1959.

Discussion of the Carrie Tingley Hospital is just after the 11:30 mark.

The WPA in Sierra County

A look at the federal projects that created schools and public infrastructure in the community.

Carrie Tingley Hospital 70th Anniversary

The New Mexico State Veterans Home sits on a hill overlooking the Hot Springs district of modern day Truth or Consequences. It was built in 1937 as Carrie Tingley Hospital for Crippled Children. On the facility’s 100th birthday, in 2007, former employees and patients were invited to gather and pay tribute to the hospital. A brief history, scenes from the ceremony, and some historic and modern-day stills are included in this video.

Apaches in Sierra County

This video follows the history of the Apache people of Southern New Mexico – from before annexation through the Civil War, and into the 20th and 21st Centuries.

Elephant Butte Dam

This video tells the story of the Elephant Butte Dam, a National Historical Engineer Landmark with the ASCE, and how it came to be constructed in this particular location. Life in the workers’ camp is described, as well as impacts the dam and its construction had on the town of Las Palomas Hot Springs (present-day Truth or Consequences).