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Columbus,
New Mexico has a fascinating history, a 24-hour
border crossing, a varied and unique geology, a
New Mexico State Park, a museum, and a mild
winter climate. Columbus is a New Mexican
village which attracts tourists, artists,
historians, authors, and retirees from all over
the U.S.
Columbus
has an unusual and colorful history. The village
was first established in 1891, just across the
border from Palomas, Mexico. In 1902, when the
El Paso/Santa Fe Railroad Line opened a station
for Columbus, the residents moved themselves and
their village three miles north to the present
location.
Of
particular interest to visitors and serious
historians alike are the Columbus Historical
Museum, the Columbus historical walking tour
which explains several sites associated with the
Raid, and Pancho Villa State Park which was the
original grounds of Pershing's Camp Furlong.
While
Columbus is not in the mountains, it has ranges
on all four sides. To the east and north of
Columbus is the Florida Mountain range; to the
west and north is the Tres Hermanas Range; south
into Mexico is the Sierra de los Palomas, and to
the north is Cooke's Range.
Those
who appreciate the flora and fauna of the
Chihuahuan Desert love the open ranges around
Columbus. Depending upon the season,
hummingbirds, snow geese, dove, quail, hawks,
eagles, finches, rabbits, hares, and many types
of lizards are plentiful. Chaparral, sage, and
other desert herbs, plants, and wild flowers are
abundant.
While Columbus remains a refuge for those who
like the quiet life, many amenities such as a
modern health clinic, a regional learning
center, and high speed internet service provide
a quality of life comparable to many suburban
environments. Major U.S. shopping and
entertainment venues are only an hour away in El
Paso, Texas.
Another
major attraction is waiting just 3 minutes away
in Old Mexico. Simply park, and walk across the
border for a great cultural shopping, dining,
and most every medical-tourism service you could
ask for!
The
area has long experienced a successful blend of
cultures between the Anglo and Hispanic peoples.
This southwest tradition can be seen in the
architecture, the foods, and the celebrations
that are so popular in the area.
While lots of people come to the Columbus, New
Mexico area for the attractions, some stay and
become residents. The Columbus area has become a
great community for retirement in southwest New
Mexico. It has also been coveted by artists and
others who want to get away from the crowds. The
low cost of living, and easy access to Mexico
for supplies and services is a big draw. Equally
important to full time residents is the weather.
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