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.""

Twitchell, considered the first major historian of New Mexico, showcased the states traditions, history, beauty, glamour, scenery, archaeology, and material resources in this 1911 edition.

What's so great about New Mexico? Find out the top ten sites to see or things to do in the Land of Enchantment! Explore New Mexico's lonely deserts, grassy plains, and dense forests. The New Mexico by Map feature shows where you'll find all the places covered in the book. A special section provides quick state facts such as the state motto, capital, population, animals, foods, and more. Take a fun-filled tour of all there is to discover in New Mexico.

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

A union list of serials commencing publication after Dec. 31, 1949.