"The Many Faces
of New Mexico"
By Mary A. Lombardo
Land of Formidable Forts. Land of Outrageous Outlaws and Plucky Lawmen. Land of Valuable Ores and Thriving Mines. Land of Ghost Towns. Land of Many Cultures. Land of Herbal Health. Land of Fiery Foods. Land of Classy Clothes. Land of Enchantment.
The only name you are probably familiar with is Land of Enchantment since that is what we call New Mexico today. Through the years, though, since New Mexico came into existence as a territory, it could have earned any of the names on that list.
As you read this issue of Posh, NM, you will discover many facets of our beautiful and interesting state, ways it has worn varied and fascinating hats throughout its history.
When the first settlers trekked into New Mexico and took up residence here, the Native Americans fought to preserve their way of life which included roaming freely over the territory. In order to protect the pioneers, the US government built many forts all over the state. These forts played an important part in the early Indian Wars and later in the Civil War. Here in Posh, you’ll discover where the forts are located and learn some very interesting facts about each.
Like many of the other states in the Wild, Wild West, New Mexico had its share of ruthless outlaws as well as fearless lawmen who relied on sharp-shooting and vigilante posses to protect the townspeople under their jurisdiction. Turn the pages of our magazine for a rip-roaring account of those colorful characters and the wild times they lived in. Then read on for a look into the job of current lawmen and detectives and get their view on what it means to be a law professional today. What must be one of their main frustrations? New Mexico’s cold cases—unsolved crimes that go back many, many years despite authorities’ efforts to resolve them. Meet the victims whose lives and deaths are still surrounded by mystery—it’s all in Posh.
You might think that, since New Mexico lies west of the Mississippi River, the state would have missed action in the Civil War. No way! Several exciting and decisive battles were fought right here in our state, battles you can learn all about in Posh, NM. You’ll also find out about where and when you can go to view realistic reenactments of the famous battles for a living history lesson about New Mexico and that tragic time in the nation’s development.
Mining has played an important part in New Mexico’s developing economy. Discovery of uranium, coal, gold, silver, turquoise, and copper spelled boom times for mine owners and steady work for miners until the bust came because the lodes ran dry or there was no longer a demand for a particular ore. Entire towns were abandoned as the mining industry dried up and they exist today as ghost towns dotting the landscape of our state. They provide a fascinating view of the state’s history and a glimpse of what life was like for these hard-working “human moles” and their families. Read on to find out where these deserted towns are and make plans to visit a few. You won’t be disappointed.
New Mexico’s multi-cultural population brings excitement to the state in many areas and two that Posh explores in this issue are western and southwestern style clothing and our unique foods that blend Native American, Mexican, and hearty western food, the kind that nourished cowboys on the trail, showcased in chili cook-offs and state fairs. The clothing that shouts “southwest” has made its way into every state of the union and even to foreign lands. Way to go, New Mexico! And while other areas in the southwest may boast about their food, nothing is as unique as the distinctive, fiery blend of tastes in New Mexican cuisine. Nothing!
New Mexicans enhance their food and health by using native herbs; Posh also explores traditional herbal remedies that are still promoting good health in modern times as well as giving that unique flavor to our state dishes.
Oh, and what else will you find in this issue of Posh? Interested in the men and women who shaped the history of Albuquerque, the state’s largest city? Want to know more about how the Navajos helped the United States win World War II? All this and more are within the covers of this magazine.
While the writers and publishers of any one magazine cannot hope to capture the entire essence of New Mexico, that grand old lady of the Southwest, in a handful of stories, hopefully the articles here will lead you, the reader, to further explore our state’s wonders. To help you along your journey of discovery, turn to the book review section to find books exploring the topics you are most interested in.
Thinking about your favorite pastimes in New Mexico, what other names can you come up with for our great state? Land of Skiing Slopes? Land of White Sands? Land of Magnificent Mountains? Land of Hot Springs and Mineral Baths? So many possibilities and they all tell about a different feature of the state, but one thing is for certain. When all the names the state could ever be called are rolled into one, they add up to the reason New Mexico is deserving of being called the “Land of Enchantment.”
