The 1960s was a momentous decade, both internationally and at home. It was a time of upheaval, change, and progress. Every part of the nation was affected by these shifts, including the Land of Enchantment. Here are 15 images that show what life was like in New Mexico during the 1960s.

  1. During the 1960s everyone was focused on space and New Mexico was no exception. This image depicts the 1963 liftoff of the Little Joe II Launch Vehicle from the White Sands Missile Range.

Flickr/NASA Johnson

  1. A photo of a Cold War aircraft, taken at a New Mexico base in 1965.

Wikimedia Commons/United States Air Force

  1. This train was traveling between Cumbres Pass and Chama when this picture was snapped in 1966.

Flickr/Herbert Muruska

  1. A coal tower, also in Chama.

Flickr/Herbert Muruska

  1. The Anaconda Company Bluewater Mill, a large uranium mill, located near Grants.

Wikimedia Commons/ENERGY.GOV

  1. St. John’s College in Santa Fe during the 1960s.

Flickr/judylcrook

  1. But not everything in New Mexico was about changing technology. The family road trip remained popular. Pictured is a 1959 Cadillac, parked in Valley of Fires, near Carrizozo.

Flickr/Jeff Rosen

  1. People still wondered at the lava flow at El Malpais National Monument…

Flickr/judylcrook

  1. …And hung out at Bottomless Lakes State Park, near Roswell.

Flickr/Andy Eick

  1. The red rocks around Jemez Springs have always been awe-inspiring.

Flickr/Andy Eick

  1. The Gila Wilderness during the 1960s.

Wikimedia Commons/U.S. Forest Service

  1. The view from the eastern portion of Route 66 in New Mexico.

Flickr/lida

  1. The church at Picuris Pueblo, near Taos.

Wikimedia Commons/Amon Carter Museum of American Art

  1. This photo was captured at Taos Pueblo in 1963.

Flickr/Andy Eick

  1. The Denny’s on Highway 66, Gallup.

Flickr/Allen

Were you a New Mexico resident during the 1960s? Share your recollections in the comments.

Flickr/NASA Johnson

Wikimedia Commons/United States Air Force

Flickr/Herbert Muruska

Wikimedia Commons/ENERGY.GOV

Flickr/judylcrook

Flickr/Jeff Rosen

Flickr/Andy Eick

Wikimedia Commons/U.S. Forest Service

Flickr/lida

Wikimedia Commons/Amon Carter Museum of American Art

Flickr/Allen

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