Neat Stuff About New Mexico Trivia Quiz

Answer: Detonation of the world's first atomic bomb

At the Trinity Site in the White Sands Testing Range, the first detonation of an atomic bomb occurred. Subsequently, atomic bombs were released on Hiroshima and Nagasaki in Japan bringing about the end of World War II. Today, there is a visitors center at White Sands where you can learn more about the area and tours are conducted out to the Trinity Site.

Answer: yes

The southeastern part of New Mexico is indeed bordered by the great state of Texas. The balance of the state shares an international border with the country of Mexico.

Answer: Deming

Dudley the Duck, the mascot of the festival, welcomes visitors from far and wide to Courthouse Park in the center of Deming on the fourth weekend in August every year. Participants can race a duck (provided by a duck wrangler) on a wet or dry track. Prize money is available for the top qualifiers.

The entire park is transformed into a carnival with food vendors, booths, rides and live entertainment throughout the three day event. Prior to the beginning of each festival there is a royalty contest with folks of all ages dressing up in duck attire that goes with that years' theme.

Answer: Rockhounds

Near Deming, one can find the state park known as Rockhound State Park. There is a visitors center which relates interesting facts about the area. Also, in Deming each Spring, one can attend the annual Rockhound Round-up where vendors, crafters and those knowledgeable in all things rocks share their love of the hobby.

Answer: yes

Although New Mexico didn't adopt the black bear as its official state animal until 1963, the true story of Smokey Bear began in 1950. In the Lincoln National Forest in Lincoln county a tragic forest fire destroyed the home of a young black bear cub. He was found by firefighters as he was trapped in a tree. He was cared for and in time became the 'spokesbear' for National Fire Safety.

Answer: public education

It wasn't until the late 1880s that the first public high school or university was founded. There are approximately 200 high schools in the state and close to 100 colleges and universities.

Answer: scientists and engineers

There are numerous laboratories located around the Albuquerque area. The highest percentage of people with PhDs are located in New Mexico. The National Laboratories is even located there as well.

Answer: Lordsburg

The hard stagecoach journey through Apache country undertaken by the characters in "Stagecoach" travels from Tonto in Arizona territory to Lordsburg. Each person is on his or her own mission, and most have secrets they are keeping. As the movie progresses, the secrets come to light. This is one of John Wayne's early hit movies propelling him to superstar status on the silver screen.

Answer: Rio Grande

The Rio Grande is a much-celebrated river, referenced in numerous stories, songs and movies. It doesn't always have much water in it, but does provide water to locations that otherwise would not have water. The river runs 1,885 miles and is the third largest river system in the contiguous US states. On occasion, when the water levels are down, I teasingly call it the "Rio Not-So-Grande".

The folks south-of-the-border call it the Rio Bravo.

Answer: New Mexico, Texas, Colorado, Oklahoma and Kansas

The Capulin Volcano is located in Union County in the northeastern part of the state. The crest rises to 8,182 feet above sea level. From this vantage point one can see into Kansas, Colorado, Texas, Oklahoma and of course, New Mexico. The extinct volcano has been designated as a United States Monument.

There are many more interesting facts about The Land of Enchantment. I urge you to visit if you haven't already. Thanks for enjoying my little quiz about the state in which I live. Blessings!