Presents information about the state of New Mexico, its nickname, flag, motto, and emblems.

The history of New Mexico is the story of three contrasting cultures-Indian, Spanish, and Anglo-American-clashing, coexisting, and blending. Here the Indians of Hawikuh-the first Zuñi pueblo encountered by Coronado's soldiers-gave battle to the Europeans in 1540. Here also Indians last took a stand against federal troops in 1913. A rich and colorful Spanish tradition, including institutions of family and church, social organizations, and the Spanish language, continues strong a century and a half after the acquisition of the territory by the United States. Anglo-Americans have also made their mark upon the land with public works, highways, and rapidly developing towns and cities. This history of New Mexico is intended for readers who want a brief, yet comprehensive treatment of the state's development. Warren A. Beck takes a balanced approach to all the themes in the state's varied history. He allows the whole story to emerge from the facts-in a concise and readable format. "Here is a book that every traveler in the state of New Mexico will want handy in his glove compartment, and every resident of the state who entertains visitors will want on his bookshelf. . . . It is loaded with information." Hispanic American Historical Review "A readable account of New Mexico history that hits the high spots of the past 400 years." New Mexico Magazine "Beck's book gives appropriate weight to each of five distinct divisions of the area's history-the Indian, the Spanish, the Mexican, the Territorial, and the Statehood periods. . . . The presentation is clear, pointed, and the story is carried through with the minimum of digression." Journal of the West Warren A. Beck (1918-91) was Professor of History at California State University, Fullerton. He is the co-author, with Ynez D. Haase, of Historical Atlas of New Mexico, Historical Atlas of California, and Historical Atlas of the West.

The who, what, when, where, and how of New Mexico are brought together into an easy-to-read compilation of well-known and unknown information that may sometimes be beyond belief–but always is absolutely true! This story of this colorful and historic state–organized for easy use in home, office, or school–is told through hundreds of questions and answers about its fascinating land and people. It's a book guaranteed to educate and entertain as it conveys the complex and intriguing story of New Mexico's people, places, and culture, from ancient times to the movies and TV shows being made there today.

Historians have long admired Ralph Emerson Twitchell's "The Leading Facts of New Mexican History," considered the first major history of the state. Put succinctly by former State Historian Robert J. Torrez, Twitchell's work (of which this is one of the first two volumes Sunstone Press is reprinting in its Southwest Heritage Series) has "become the standard by which all subsequent books on New Mexico history are measured." As Twitchell wrote in the preface of his first volume, his goal in writing "The Leading Facts" was to respond to the "pressing need" for a history of New Mexico with a commitment to "accuracy of statement, simplicity of style, and impartiality of treatment." Ralph Emerson Twitchell was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, on November 29, 1859. Arriving in New Mexico when he was twenty-three, he immediately became involved in political and civic activities. In 1885 he helped organize a new territorial militia in Santa Fe and saw active duty in western New Mexico. Later appointed judge advocate of the Territorial Militia, he attained the rank of colonel, a title he was proud to use for the rest of his life. By 1893 he was elected the mayor of Santa Fe and, thereafter, district attorney of Santa Fe County. Twitchell probably promoted New Mexico as much as any single New Mexican of his generation. An avid supporter of New Mexico statehood, he argued the territory's case for elevated political status, celebrated its final victory in 1912, and even designed New Mexico's first state flag in 1915. Just as Twitchell's first edition in 1911 helped celebrate New Mexico's entry into statehood in 1912, the newest edition of the text and illustrations, including the "Subscriber's Edition" page of Number 1,156 of 1,500, serves as a tribute to the state's centennial celebration of 2012. In the apt words of an editorial in the "Santa Fe New Mexican" at the time of Twitchell's death in 1925: "As press agent for the best things of New Mexico, her traditions, history, beauty, glamour, scenery, archaeology, and material resources, he was indefatigable and efficient.""