Comically, New Mexico acquired its name long before “New Spain” became Mexico. Apparently New Mexico predates Mexico. (By a decent while too).
Edit ended up reading the article, it is listed in the article further down as well
“New Mexico’s name predates the founding of the United States back to the 16th century”
Apparently New Mexico predates Mexico. (By a decent while too).
…
New Mexico predates the modern country of Mexico, yes.
But when Spanish Conquistadors first reached the Valle de Mexico, in the 1520s, it was the most densely populated urban area on the planet at over a million people.
That’s why New Mexico includes “new”, because it wasn’t the original.
Comically, New Mexico acquired its name long before “New Spain” became Mexico. Apparently New Mexico predates Mexico. (By a decent while too).
Edit ended up reading the article, it is listed in the article further down as well “New Mexico’s name predates the founding of the United States back to the 16th century”
…
New Mexico predates the modern country of Mexico, yes.
But when Spanish Conquistadors first reached the Valle de Mexico, in the 1520s, it was the most densely populated urban area on the planet at over a million people.
That’s why New Mexico includes “new”, because it wasn’t the original.
Mexico made a power move naming itself, knowing New Mexico already existed. “They might be ‘new’ but we’re the og.”