Long before the area of TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES was settled by white people, this was considered intertribal neutral ground by Southwestern Indians who came here to relax, heal, and trade news.

History being what it is, by 1882 the town of Palomas Hot Springs (which was later shortened to Hot Springs) was bustling around the site.

Today, this growing community of over 7000 residents on the banks of the Rio Grande is considered a recreational paradise with a year-round mild climate and a friendly atmosphere offering two museums, golf, tennis, bowling, several municipal parks for picnicking and recreation, a municipal airport, conference and convention facilities for group gatherings, many hotel and motel accommodations, and - of course - the healthful and invigorating hot mineral springs and bath houses.

The entire downtown business district floats on a thick layer of sand and quicksand, which, in turn, covers a huge pool of 110-degree-Fahrenheit mineral water which comes to the surface through wells and pools. Most of the historic spas were built in the 1930s, and renovated in more recent times. They continue to provide warmth, comfort, stress relief and ease of muscle pain to residents and visitors alike.

A walk through the downtown area introduces one to much of the depression-era architecture of the 30s, and there are many unique gift shops, antique stores, galleries, and novelty shops to browse. The public library is well stocked with reading and research material, with the Southwestern History section being considered one of the finest in the state. There is also a very active Senior Citizens center.

The Geronimo Springs Museum, which opened in 1972 and is situated next to the Geronimo Hot Spring in downtown Truth or Consequences, is the starting point of the Geronimo Trail Scenic Byway. Plan to spend some enjoyable time there acquainting yourself with this fascinating part of the world in order to have a richer, more vibrant experience on the Geronimo Trail Scenic Byway.

The Geronimo Days Peace Gathering during the second weekend in October honors the legend that the area of the hot springs was a no-fight-zone for the region's native tribes. Other festivals include the Ralph Edwards Fiesta, held the first weekend in May; the New Mexico Old Time Fiddlers contest the last weekend in April, and the State Old Time Fiddlers Championship competition the third weekend in October; and the Sierra County Fair in August, showcasing local 4-H projects, school projects, adult home arts, crafts, sciences, and agriculture.

A panoramic look at Truth or Consequences from a distance

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