White Sands National Monument, New Mexico

White Sands National Monument, New Mexico
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:White_Sands_dunes.jpg
Author: John Fowler


White Sands National Monument is a nature preserve in Alamogordo, New Mexico. It protects the white sand dunes of the Tularosa Basin valley. The area, which covers 143,733 acres (581 sq km) is on the western part of Otero County and the northeast part of Dona Ana County, at an average elevation of 4235 ft (1,291 m). The white sand is composed of gypsum crystals.

The white sand dunes were first discovered by US Army officers in 1849, even though the local Native Americans of the Mescalero Apache tribe have already known of it all the while. Hispanic settlers began farming in the area from 1861.

White Sands National Monument, New Mexico
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:White_Sands_New_Mexico_USA.jpg
Author: davebluedevil


Since 1898, a number on concerned groups have promoted the idea of setting up a national park within the area. Many of these early plans were derailed by numerous issues until the White Sands National Monument was eventually proclaimed by President Herbert Hoover on 18 January, 1933, and dedicated with a grand opening on 29 April, 1934.

Plans to inscribe the national monument as a World Heritage Site was shot down by local opposition, mainly surrounding concerns over losing sovereignty over the site to the international body. There was also concern that inscription will interfere with the existing military installations that completely surround the site. The White Sands Missile Range is nearby, and its errant missiles often fell within the monument. World Heritage inscription may force the military installations to move, hurting the local economy. As a result of much lobbying, an ordinance was passed that made it illegal for the national monument to be made a World Heritage Site.

White Sands National Monument, New Mexico
Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:White_sands_moon_%26_clouds.jpg
Author: snowpeak

Visiting White Sands National Monument, New Mexico

The site is in southern New Mexico, near the border with Texas. From Albuquerque, take Interstate 25 heading south, turning off at Exit 6 at Las Cruces, and continue heading northeast on US Highway 70, which takes you all the way to the site.

The visitor center of the park is open at different times according to season, ranging from 8:00 pm to 7:00 pm during summer to 9:00 am to 5:00 pm in winter.

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