All about New Mexico Trivia Quiz

Answer: First atomic device exploded

The Manhattan Project was the World War II program to develop an atomic bomb. Much of the work was conducted at Los Alamos, New Mexico, though other important parts of the project were developed in Tennessee, Washington State and elsewhere. The site of the first detonation, known as Trinity Site, is located on the White Sands Test Range.

It may be visited on only two days each year, one each in April and October.

Answer: Red or green?

Red and green are two stages of growth of chili. In restaurants that serve chili with, on or over nearly anything, you will be asked if you want red or green (chili). If you want both, the appropriate response is "Christmas". My favorite use of green chili is mixed in with scrambled eggs.

Answer: Colorado

The Rio Grande (big or great river) runs from southern Colorado southward through the middle of New Mexico, entering far western Texas near El Paso. It the forms the entire border between Texas and Mexico. It is redundant to refer to it as the Rio Grande River.

Answer: Russian Thistle

Tumbleweed was not actually a true characteristic of the "old" west, since it is believed to have been introduced accidentally to America in the 1870s. Fireweed, a flower common across Canada, Alaska and the northern tier of the 48 contiguous states, is also the name of a series of grueling bicycle races in Alaska. Nutbush is a town in Tennessee.

Answer: The City Different

Santa Fe is geographically the highest state capital in the US (7200 feet above sea level), is known as a center of many forms of art and has a substantial Native American population, but it proudly advertises itself as the City Different. Due to its sometimes quirky politics and even quirkier population, others in the state have been heard to refer to it as "The City VERY Different".

Answer: Underground caves

Carlsbad Caverns is one of the most visited cave complexes in the world. First discovered in 1898 by a teenager, portions of its underground beauty have yet to be explored. Its nearest community is not Carlsbad but a smaller town called White City, a few miles southwest of Carlsbad.

Answer: Crash landing of a UFO

Many theories abound about what happened in "The Roswell Incident". While no evidence exists that it was, in fact, an alien spaceship, the public relations and commercial value of the story are unquestionably great.

Answer: It is round

Called the Round House for obvious reasons, it houses both the Governor's offices and the legislature. The state House of Representatives and the Senate meet for 30 days in even years and 60 days in odd numbered years. While legislators do receive a daily expense allowance, they do not get any salary. Some wags say they're worth it.

Answer: Land of Enchantment

Enchantment refers to the considerable natural beauty of the state's mountains, forests, rivers and, yes, deserts. It is also sometimes called The Colorful State.

Answer: Albuquerque

One of the longest aerial tramways in the world (2.7 miles) runs from Albuquerque to the top of Sandia Peak. An excellent, if pricey, restaurant is located at the top of the mountain, accessible either by a long and twisting road that runs up the east side of the mountain or, preferably, by the tramway on the west side. Most of the Albuquerque TV stations transmit from the peak and, though repeaters, cover nearly the entire state and portions of Arizona and Colorado.