New Mexico's Historical Marker Project has served an important part in the way New Mexico tells its story to visitors, residents, and future generations. Lining the miles of highways and roads across its beautiful countryside, each marker has a unique story that provides those passing by with information about an intriguing historical moment or influential individual in the area. Thanks to the New Mexico Historical Women's Marker Initiative, this program has taken on a new role to inform motorists of the many historical facts about the great women of the state. It is easy to become inspired by the many New Mexican women who fill these pages. They come from varied cultures and backgrounds, but they all share pioneer status in their mutual quests to make a lasting impact on the lives of New Mexico families and communities. These women serve as examples through their deeds, accomplishments, and trials. They are not just mothers, daughters, sisters and friends; they are military service women, business leaders, healers, and educators. The New Mexico Historical Marker Project serves as a lasting memento of their great accomplishments and contributions to the rich and colorful history of the "Land of Enchantment." New Mexico has many reasons to be proud of these women and their contributions. Phil T. Archuletta is a native New Mexican, born in El Rito. He is the CEO of P & M Signs, Inc. in Mountainair, New Mexico. Since 1970, he has been involved with the manufacturing of the New Mexico Historical Markers. He is passionate about sharing the stories of the state's colorful history. He serves on the Board of the National Hispanic Cultural Center in Albuquerque and is the author of "Traveling New Mexico," also published by Sunstone Press. Rosanne Roberts Archuletta was born in Philadelphia. She, like so many of the women in this book, fell in love with New Mexico. She is the Principal of R. M. Roberts and Associates, LLC, a human resources consulting firm.

Scattered across New Mexico are over 500 scenic historic markers that give brief historical facts about the area and provide interesting clues to New Mexico's vividness. This comprehensive guide gives locations of the markers, the information as it appears on each marker, and names and addresses for further information. Reading one marker, you can imagine how it would feel to ride shotgun with Sheriff Pat Garrett as he chases the elusive Billy the Kid. Another marker helps you explore the area where Pat was later murdered in a still unsolvable crime. You can even discover tracks left by a dinosaur, and find proof of early man long before the rise and fall of the mysterious Anasazi. There are places where early farming puebloeans left their ghosts and ruins, and you can follow in the footsteps of early explorers such as Vasquez de Coronado, Antonio de Espejo, and others as they search for gold and claim this land for Spain. There are places where settlers created the Santa Fe Trail and the Butterfield and Cooke's stage routes. You'll marvel at how three cultures have met to create the unique land called New Mexico. Whether you are a resident or a visitor, you will find this to be a valuable guide while exploring the remarkable state of New Mexico. PHIL T. ARCHULETTA's experience with the historical markers as well as his love of New Mexico and its history have been life long. Owner and CEO of P&M Signs, Inc., he has been in the sign manufacturing business for over thirty years and has traveled the state, logging each marker, in order to preserve this aspect of New Mexico's colorful history. SHARYL S. HOLDEN, a professional photographer and writer, has been enchanted by the wide open spaces of New Mexico all her life. She and Phil have worked diligently to prepare this enjoyable guide for both tourists and residents.