New Mexico was part of the territory claimed by Spain in the colonization of the New World. In 1821 Mexico declared its independence from Spain and eventually went to war with the United States. This war ended in 1848, and the land north of the Gila River became United States territory. The New Mexico Territory was divided in 1863 with the eastern section retaining the name New Mexico Territory, Arizona Territory being the western. Congress admitted New Mexico as the 47th state in the Union on January 6, 1912.
The New Mexico State Capitol (aka the Roundhouse), located in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is the seat of government of the U.S. state of New Mexico. It is unique as the only round state capitol in the United States. It was dedicated in 1966; renovations were done from 1988 through 1992.
The Roundhouse is the fourth Capitol building of New Mexico and the third-newest capitol in the U.S.
A sculpture just inside the Capitol's entrance:
"In memory of Maximiliano Luna
Speaker of the House of Representatives
Territory of New Mexico 1899
Capt. Troop F First U.S. Vol. Cavalry
(Rought Riders) and First Lieut.
34th U.S. Vol. Infantry
Born June 16th, A.D. 1870
Died in the discharge of duty
Philippine Islands Nov. 18th, 1899"
Chaves bust is also at the entrance of the Capitol:
"Col. J. Francisco Chaves was born in Los Padillas, Bernalillo County, New Mexico, June 27, 1833.
Served as Lieutenant Colonel in Union Army under Kit Carson, was assassinated at 7 o'clock on the evening of Saturday, November 26, 1904 at Pinos Wells, Torrance County, New Mexico."
My simple research showed he was involved with New Mexico's history in the capacity as a U.S. Territorial Representative, farmer, cattleman, judicial district attorney, member and president of state constitutional convention and superintendent of public instruction. He was appointed State historian but was assinated before his term began. "Why" is a mystery; maybe he knew too much?
The Senate Chamber looks very similar to this.
The legislature consists of 70 representatives and 42 senators. Each member of the House represents a representative district with roughly 25,980 residents. Each member of the Senate represents a senate district with roughly 43,300 residents.
"As governor, I promise to work with you and do whatever it takes to move our state forward, and to confront the challenges that face us. Whether you are a citizen or a visitor to our beautiful state, you can find out here what my administration is doing for New Mexico and its people, to secure our present and build our future, together, here in the Land of Enchantment." Governor Bill Richardson, the 30th New Mexico Governor
The ceiling skylight is designed to resemble an Indian basket weave. The flags on display are on the fourth floor balcony; there is one for each county.
A display exists beside the art identifying the creator and explaining the art; the picture of this display was not focused and is a big blur.
A display exists beside the art identifying the creator and explaining the art; the picture of this display was not focused and is a big blur.
"'Glow of a Happy Spirit' is an excellent example of Fred Wilson's mastery of combining a variety of different materials such as clay, wood, glass and stone to create his one-of-a-kind pottery-sculpture-murals. His work reflects the unique blend of African, Native American, Asian and New Mexican cultural influences. He describes his own work as 'organic to cubic, to Oriental (a touch of African); dealing always with people and their relationships in life'".
The Capitol also has artwork on the outside.
Earth Mother is the work of Estella Loretto. She was originally from Jemez Pueblo, NM but has lived around the world absorbing new places and cultures. She attended the Institute of American Indian Arts, spent a year in Belgium as an exchange student, and received a degree in Social Studies and Ethnic Studies from Ft. Lewis College in Durango, Co. She has attended University of Benito Juarez in Mexico and Kansai Giadi International University in Japan. She has also toured India, Nepal, Rome, Venice and Florence.
Plaque:
"When Friends Meet"
Bronze Edition of 6
1987
Allan Houser (Haozous)
Warm Springs Chiricahua Apache
1914-1994
A Gift from the Houser (Haozous) Family
Dedicated May 24, 1996
Capitol Art Collection
This art was spotted outside on the east side of a corridor connecting the Round House and Capitol North.
On April 9, 1942, tens of thousands of American and Filipino soldiers were surrendered to Japanese forces; among the Americans seized were members of the 200th Coast Artillery, New Mexico National Guard. They were marched for days in the scorching heat through the Philippine jungles. Thousands died. Those who survived faced the hardships of a prisoner of war camp. Others were wounded or killed when unmarked enemy ships transporting prisoners of war to Japan were sunk by U.S. air and naval forces.
This memorial dedicated to New Mexico's war dead on June 14, 1966.
This Bataan Memorial Building was the state capitol from 1900 to 1966. In its first 50 years of existence various buildings and additions were made. A major project was then put in motion to unify the buildings and create a complex more in the territorial style. The dome was removed and a 105-foot tower added to north side; the original capitol is almost entirely obscured.
It was renamed the Bataan Memorial Building and houses various government offices.
This memorial is located on the north side of the Bataan Memorial Building.
The Supreme Court consists of five Justices and is located in Santa Fe. This is the court of last resort and has superintending control over all inferior courts and attorneys licensed in the state.
New Mexico judges were originally chosen in partisan elections, but in 1988, voters approved a constitutional amendment creating a hybrid system of judicial selection that includes merit selection, partisan elections, and retention elections. When a judicial vacancy occurs, the appropriate nominating commission recommends qualified candidates to the governor, and the governor makes an appointment. At the next general election, a contested partisan election is held to fill the seat for the remainder of the term. The successful candidate runs in nonpartisan retention elections thereafter. The threshold for retention is higher in New Mexico than in most other states; judges must receive at least 57% in affirmative votes to be retained.
