Quick quiz. Which came first — practical use of photography or New Mexico? You might know that New Mexico gained statehood in 1912. Photography, as you might have guessed, started a lot earlier. It got its practical start in 1839, with the invention of the daguerreotype camera.

As photographic technology advanced, cameras made their way west. Only in New Mexico scoured our resources to find some of the earliest images of New Mexico — all before statehood.

1. South side of Inscription Rock, El Morro National Monument. 1873.
Timothy H. O'Sullivan [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
Wow! This looks almost ethereal, don't you think?
2. This is a stereo card. (Think early View-Master). Hieroglyphics on south wall, Inscription Rock. 1873.
T.H. O'Sullivan/Library of Congress - LOT 3427-3, no. 83 [item] [P&P]
As one of the oldest photos taken in New Mexico, this is pretty neat to see.
3. Albino Boy and Zuni Indian Boy. 1873. Another stereo card.
T.H. O'Sullivan/Library of Congress - LOT 3427-3, no. 58 [item] [P&P]
Historic photos of New Mexico tend to be few and far between, but this one here is stunning.
4. Alta (altar) in the Church of San Miguel. Santa Fe. 1878. Another stereo image.
Continent Stereoscopic Company/Library of Congress - LOT 13608, no. 5 [P&P]
Can't you just imagine locals worshipping here?
5. Untitled image. Possibly, Cathedral Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, in ruins. Santa Fe. 1880.
G.C. Bennett/Library of Congress - STEREO U.S. GEOG FILE - New Mexico--Santa Fe [item] [P&P]
The ruins of the past.
6. Taos Pueblo. Between 1880 and 1889.
F.A. Nims. Cunningham & Co/Library of Congress - LOT 14119, no. 101 [P&P]
The history in New Mexico is truly awe-inducing!
7. Burro train at Fort Marcy in Santa Fe. Between 1895 and 1900.
By Not given [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

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8. President Theodore Roosevelt in Santa Fe. 1903. Also shown, Miguel Antonio Otero, Governor of New Mexico Territory.
By SMU Central University Libraries [No restrictions], via Wikimedia Commons
The President making a visit back in the day, before New Mexico was even a state.
9. Business Houses at Belen. 1904. From the book, Land of Sunshine.
By Internet Archive Book Images [No restrictions], via Wikimedia Commons
The text has it noted that Belen had one of the largest flour mills in the territory.
10. In the Mora Valley. 1904. Also from The Land of Sunshine.
By Internet Archive Book Images [No restrictions], via Wikimedia Commons
The book notes that Mora claimed "the honor of being one of the leading agricultural counties of the Territory."
11. New Mexico Insane Asylum, Las Vegas. 1904.
By Internet Archive Book Images [No restrictions], via Wikimedia Commons
Eerie...
12. First Street, Albuquerque, 1908.
R. Lee/Library of Congress - LOT 9148 [item] [P&P]
Isn't this a blast from the past? Have you ever walked First Street?
13. Children in their Sunday clothes pose in front of adobe church.
By Unknown or not provided (U.S. National Archives and Records Administration) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
This photo is from the Alamo National Forest (Now Lincoln National Forest). 1808.
14. Indian enclave in Albuquerque. 1912.
By Unknown or not provided (U.S. National Archives and Records Administration) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
The history of New Mexico is truly fascinating, especially caught on film.
15. First report of game and fish warden for New Mexico. 1912.
By Internet Archive Book Images [No restrictions], via Wikimedia Commons
Wow! Unreal that this was in 1912.

What did you think about these photos of Beautiful New Mexico? Does anything look familiar? It’s so neat to take a step back in time, even just through a computer screen. If you have any historic photos of your own, make sure you link them below! We’d love to see!

For more photos from the past, check out these 16 Rare Photos From New Mexico That Will Take You Straight To The Past.

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Beautiful New Mexico

Meghan Kraft | January 17, 2021

Is New Mexico a great place to live?

New Mexico is a wonderful place to live, both as a naturally beautiful state and one that accounts for a reasonable cost of living and low unemployment rate. The state is truly gorgeous, with desert views and mountainous regions as well. Locals tend to gravitate towards cities like Albuquerque, Taos, and Santa Fe. Make sure you visit for the vibrant downtown life and the lively, diverse communities throughout the state.

What are the most popular foods in New Mexico?

Not surprisingly, the most popular foods in New Mexico take after the staples of the state’s southern neighbor, Mexico. Come and get ready to enjoy everything from chiles rellenos to enchiladas, tamales, and huevos rancheros. These signature dishes provide some of the best flavors in the state!

What are the most beautiful places in New Mexico?

If you’re looking to visit some of the most beautiful places in New Mexico, there are a few you can’t miss. Head to the Carlsbad Caverns in Carlsbad fr a view of 120 hidden, underground caves, or head to Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu that’s rife with stunningly red and yellow cliffs. Taos Gorge in Taos is also beautiful, and you won’t want to miss a view of the Taos Gorge Bridge that crosses the Rio Grande.

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