State Bolo Tie

Bolo Tie The bolo tie is a Western fashion staple, hailed for its comfort and versatility.  Employing several types of clasps, the bolo tie can be worn with a closed or loosened collar. In the 1930’s, Navajo men would fasten a silver concha to their necks...

State Bird

Greater Roadrunner The State Bird of New Mexico, the Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus) is known by a wide variety of names including Chaparral Bird, el corrrecaminos, and el paisano.  It is the larger of two ground cuckoos, the other being the Lesser...
State Question

State Question

“Red or Green?” In 1996 the New Mexico State Legislature passed a House Joint Memorial declaring “Red or Green?” as the official state question.  This refers to the question always asked whether one prefers red or green chile when ordering...

State Nickname

Land of Enchantment Lillian Whiting first noted the phrase, “Land of Enchantment,”  in the title of her book on New Mexico in 1906.  In September 1935, Joseph A. Bursey, Director of the State Tourist Bureau, designed a brochure using this...

State Tree

Piñon Pine (Pinus edulis) Few plants or animals are more ingrained in the culture and biology of New Mexico than the Piñon Pine (Pinus edulis).  It is also sometimes called Two Needle Piñon.  The species is found mostly in New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, and...