Page Contents for Alamogordo, New Mexico

Statistics & Facts

Location

History & History-related items

City Attractions

Economy

Government

Chamber of Commerce.

Community events.

Libraries.

Schools.

Miscellany

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Statistics & Facts

The New Mexico state capital is Santa Fe.
The population of Alamogordo is approximately 35,984 (2009), 30403 (2010).
The approximate number of families is 15,920 (2000), 12763 (2010).
The amount of land area in Alamogordo is 50.1 sq. kilometers.
The amount of land area in Alamogordo is 19.3 sq. miles.
The amount of surface water is 0 sq kilometers.
The distance from Alamogordo to Washington DC is 1738 miles.
The distance to the New Mexico state capital is 192 miles. (as the crow flies)
Alamogordo is positioned 32.88 degrees north of the equator and 105.95 degrees west of the prime meridian.
Alamogordo elevation is 4,350 with a range of between 4,300 feet to 9,000 feet above sea level.
Alamogordo per capita income is $ 22,377 (2006).
Alamogordo median income is $ 38,527 (2008).
The Alamogordo median home price is $ 115,418 (2008).
Alamogordo average annual rainfall is 6 inches per year
Alamogordo average annual precipitation is 10.4 inches peryear.
The average low temperature is 46 degrees F.
The average high temperature is 76 degrees F.

Location

on Hwys 54 and 70 in southcentral New Mexico, not far from Las Cruces. Other nearby communities include: Boles Acres, La Luz, Holloman Air Force Base, Cloudcroft, Tularosa, Merscalero, Timberon and Southeast Otero.

Here is a map page for the area
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Weather

mild. Though it is located within the southern portion of the Rocky Mountains, the extreme in weather are not found here. The area enjoys over 350 days of sunshine each year. Most of the rain falls in July and August. While the city averages just six inches of rain each year, nearby mountain areas received about 32 inches of precipitation and 92 inches of snow.

Here is a current weather page for Alamogordo.
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History & History Related Items

Alamogordo was first planned by two brothers, Charles and John Eddy. It owes much of its success on the coming of the railroad to town as many of the old west towns.

Once the US entered World War II, Alamogordo was changed forever. Holloman Air Force Base was built on February 6, 1942. It was not named such until 1947. First it was Alamogordo Bombing and Gunnery Range and then Alamogordo Army Air Field. At first, it provided a training area for the British Royal Air Force. It was also a needed gunnery range. The first man-made atomic explosion was set off near here at White Sands Missile Range on July 16, 1945.

The town was founded in 1898 at a railroad crossroads. A good water supply helped the area to remain populated and productive.

Here is a history information page for the community.
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The founding of Alamogordo

1898

The incorporation of Alamogordo

1912

Attractions

White Sands National Monument
Visitor's Center: 575-679-2599
About 15 miles from Alamogordo, New Mexico

Alameda Park and Zoo
1321 N. White Sands Blvd.
Alamogordo, New Mexico 88310
Phone: 575-439-4290
Toll-free: 800-826-0294 (in New Mexico)
Toll-free: 877-333-6589 (outside New Mexico)
Established in 1898, The Oldest Zoo in the Southwest

New Mexico Museum of Space History
P.O. Box 5430
Alamogordo, NM 88311
Phone: 575-437-2840
Toll-free: 877-333-6589 Featuring the International Space Theater, an Air and Space Park and the Astronaut Memorial Garden among other items.

Otero County Fair
Held in early August each year at the County Fairgrounds here in Alamogordo. Events include a rodeo, animal shows, food, games, carnival rides and much more

Oliver Lee Memorial State Park
Phone: 575-437-8284
10 miles south on US 54 and then go to Dog Canyon.

Alamogordo Museum of History
Operated by the Tularosa Basin HIstorical Society, the museum collects items related to local history and the Tularosa Basin.
Of particular interest is a 47 star flag of which only a few are in existence.
1301 N. White Sands Blvd.
Alamogordo, NM 88310
Phone: 575-434-4438

Holloman AFB
49th FW/PA
490 First Street, Suite 2800
Holloman AFB NM 88330-8287
Public Affairs Office: 575-572-5406
Fax: 575-572-5908

See a photo page for Alamogordo.

A good Alamogordo Website

The Toy Train Depot
1991 N. White Sands Blvd.
Alamogordo, NM 88310
Phone: 575-437-2855
Over 1,200 feet of model railroad track plus much, much more

Home of the World's Largest Pistachio Nut. This nut is about 30 feet high. Just try cracking this nut! It is located at the McGinn's Pistachio Tree Ranch at 7320 U.S. Highway 54-70 in Alamogordo. It was built in 2008 with a stucco shell over a stell framework. The plaque in front of the nut dedicates it to Thomas Michael McGinn (1929-2007) who founded the McGinn's Pistachio Tree Ranch. See photo page for Alamogordo that includes pictures of this monument.
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Economy & Industry

Over half of the county population lives in Alamogordo. Tourism, Service and retail are the main sectors in this economy. Both Holloman Air Force Base and White Sands are major contributors to the local economy for both the military and the civilian sides. The area is well-known as a place with a good quality of life.
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Alamogordo City Government

City of Alamogordo

Alamogordo City Clerk
1376 9th St
Alamogordo, NM 88310-5838
Phone: 575-439-4205
Fax: 575-437-6542

Alamogordo is the county seat of Otero County

Alamogordo Chamber

Alamogordo Chamber Of Commerce
1301 N White Sands Blvd
Alamogordo, NM 88310-6659
Phone: 575-437-6120
Toll-free: 800-826-0294

Alamogordo Community Events

Labor Day Weekend each year
Annual Cottonwood Arts & Crafts Festival
Place: Alameda Park in Alamogordo

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September each year
Annual White Sands Balloon Invitational

Alamogordo Organizations

Alamogordo Chamber Of Commerce
1301 N White Sands Blvd
Alamogordo, NM 88310-6659
Phone: 575-437-6120
Toll-free: 800-826-0294

Alamogordo Libraries

The Alamogordo Public Library
920 Oregon Avenue
Alamogordo, NM 88310
Circulation Desk: 575-439-4140
Reference Desk: 575-439-4148

Alamogordo Schools

Alamogordo Public Schools
P.O. Box 650
Alamogordo, NM 88310-6722
Phone: 575-812-6000

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HIGHER EDUCATION

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New Mexico State University at Alamogordo
2400 North Scenic Drive
Alamogordo, New Mexico 88310
Phone: 575-439-3600 Alamogordo

Miscellany

The population of Alamogordo was:
1920 - 2,363
1930 - 3,096
1940 - 3,950
1950 - 6,783
1960 - 21,723
1970 - 23,035
1980 - 24,024
1990 - 27,596
2000 - 35,582
2008 - 35,757
2009 - 35,984

Number of Housing Units:
1990 - 11,974
2000 - 15,920

Median Age:
2000 - 33.5 years

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Median household income:
2000 - $ 30,928
2008 - $ 38,527

Per Capita Income:
2000 - $ 14,662
2008 - $ 19,227

Median house value:
2000 - $ 68,000
2008 - $ 115,418

Alamogordo is located in the Mountain Time Zone and does participate in Daylight Savings Time during a portion of the year.