We have one of these back in Texas. The county, not the courthouse... It's got a handsomeness to it that I won't deny. It's also got an addition that doesn't match at all. It's so bad that I didn't even photograph it because looking at it just made me sad, especially in comparison to Deming's. … Continue reading 342. Lordsburg, Hidalgo County (NM26) →

This courthouse meets with my approval. It is unquestionably the center of governance and power in this county, though I must admit that it has a slightly more church-like appearance that I'm entirely comfortable with. Despite that, it has a lovely style that I haven't seen before. May I also give kudos on how cleverly … Continue reading 341. Deming, Luna County (NM25) →

Fun fact: Doña Ana County is one of only two counties in the US that have diacritic marks in their name (I'm coming for you too, Coös County). On a more serious note, I spent a lot of time thinking on this trip, especially since Alamogordo. I'm definitely more interested in the administrative side of … Continue reading 340. Las Cruces, Doña Ana County (NM24) →

It's a bold choice for a town to name itself after a game show, no matter how famous and long running. Hot Springs, its former name, is far more descriptive considering the number of hot springs in the area. The idea of visiting one of the spas in the area is somewhat intriguing, but that's … Continue reading 339. Truth Or Consequences, Sierra County (NM23) →

This is the King of stucco buildings. Dare I say it? I dare! This is the apotheosis of stucco buildings. Is it possible that, by visiting this building, I have reached peak New Mexico? Perhaps. That said, my mocking is actually hiding the giddiness I felt here. You know how, as I have mentioned before, … Continue reading 338. Socorro, Socorro County (NM22) →

Well, it's not the most attractive courthouse I've ever seen. It's not terrible and I've certainly seen worse. It's a small town so I can't exactly expect that it's going to have some stunning architectural marvel. Not every courthouse can be Roswell. The cache, on the other hand, was slightly more interesting. I was a … Continue reading 337. Carrizozo, Lincoln County (NM21) →

This is a perfectly nice courthouse and all that good stuff, but it's also emblematic of an issue that I'm starting to run into that will not concern anyone who isn't interested in courthouses. In Texas, the county courthouse is both the center of law and jurisprudence and the center of administration. Lately, I've been … Continue reading 336. Alamogordo, Otero County (NM20) →

Oh, you beautiful creature! It seems there may be more to you than aliens and stuff! And may I also say you just managed not to trick me. I almost went to the county administrative center where the clerk's office is! After some of the past debacles, you're not going to get me that easily... … Continue reading 335. Roswell, Chaves County (NM19) →

I must say, I'm pleasantly surprised with this courthouse! This is definitely not the cookie-cutter courthouses I've been seeing out there on this trip. The clock tower is lovely, and I'm bemoaning that you don't see a lot of them these days. If you take a close look at the background of the war memorial … Continue reading 366. Colby, Thomas County (KS007) →

I've been here before, too. And further, you, too, are illuminated! I don't know about the entire adobe thing, but it's not a bad looking courthouse. It is a bit unsettling for me for a reason I can't quite put my finger on, though. Maybe it's just a strange combination of the curves and the … Continue reading 334. Carlsbad, Eddy County (NM18) →