Learning in New Mexico

  We've been traveling in New Mexico for a few days now and each morning the scenery gets more beautiful.  Our drives through the plains gave way to the majestic mountains today.  Before we reached New Mexico Georgia started asking question about the state.  I thought we'd include school lessons about each state we visit this season.  We've been having fun doing online research about New Mexico.  It is just as rich in historical events as it is in natural beauty.  I decided to start with the state capital and its nickname.  We also learned about the state's history in mining, its vast terrain, most popular recreations and touched on the Rocky Mountains as well. 



William H. Bonney
aka William Henry McCartey



  We decided to research an historical figure and the first name that came up was one of New Mexico's most famous historical figures, Billy the Kid.  Given Georgia's interest in the old west, my first thought was wishing my dad were here to share his vast knowledge of this bygone era with us.  I've seen  movies from the time I was little that included this notorious old western persona but never bothered to do any research.  We discovered that much about William H. Bonney is shrouded in mystery & myth.  No one seems to know for sure when or where he was born (the most common information has come into question).  Though he never married, it's not known if he fathered any children.  This famous scratchy photograph is apparently the only verifiable one in existance.  We discovered he had a very rough start in life.   No one knows if his birth father left Billy, his mother and brother or passed away.  His mother's death landed him and his brother in seperate foster care.  After leaving his foster home he started his famous gunslinging ways.  We read up on everything from his favorite songs & hobbies to the letters he'd witten to Gov. Lew Wallace and interviews given to newspapers.  We were surprised to learn he was buried in Fort Sumner, a town we'd just driven through the other day.  In all he led a violent life and was left to his own devices very early.  Some who knew him gave interviews commenting on his more positive qualities and stated he could've been a valuable member of society if he had a "better start in life."  Our research painted a picture of a real person who made some very poor choices.   We concluded Billy the Kid knew how to survive but not how to live. 

 We will do more research on the state of New Mexico, it's history and other historical figures for the time we are here.  We'll certainly continue to enjoy the scenery on our morning drives as well.  Though the grounds are rather prickly and the red dirt stains our shoes, it won't stop us from doing a little exploring day to day around the lots and around the towns. 

  I have a new appreciation for the Land of Enchantment.  I think Georgia does too.