Hot Springs, New Mexico in Sierra County was the victim of a small and flagging economy in 1950, when the city fathers decided to apply to change the name of the town to Truth Or Consequences, after the popular radio (and later, TV) program of the era.

A town election official changed the name of the city of Hot Springs to Truth or Consequences and moderator Ralph Edwards from the radio show and the NBC production crew traveled to New Mexico to greet the city residents.

In fact, NBS aired a coast-to-coast live radio edition of Truth or Consequences from the city. All of the free publicity accumulated to boost the local economy through tourism and new business venture and this economic success has reached into the 21st century.

Notice that Truth Or Consequences is located near the largest New Mexico State Park - Elephant Butt - er - Butte. Notice in the photo the left that this butte in the lake dwarfs the motor boat on the left side of the picture down to a pinpoint. (Click on the photo to enlarge it.) T Or C is located not far from White Sand, NM, the site of government aircraft testing.

A large number of travelers go to Truth Or Consequences and to Elephant Butte city, lake, and park, for vacationing. The hot springs for which T Or C was originally named are still active and may contain some curative factors.

Overall, the percentage in increase of employment in New Mexico from 1997 - 2006 was significantly highest in Southwest NM, including Truth Or Consequences and Elephant Butte City. The Top 10 Industries in and around Truth Or Consequences and the Southwest Corner of New Mexico are:

1. Health Care & Social Assistance
2. Educational Services
3. Local Government
4. Retail Trade
5. Accommodations - Hotels, motels, B & B's, hostels, campgrounds. See Soak.net to locate hot springs.
6. Food Services
7. Professional and Technical Services
8. Construction
9. Manufacturing
10. Other Services

Another hot industry in the area includes commerical space fligth at SPACEPORT AMERICA just 20 miles east of Truth Or Consequences.

Pre WWII, there existed 40 hot springs spas locally and these reduced to 8 facilities in the early 21^st century. They are still a source of frequent travelers looking for a cure for aches and pains. The New Mexico State Energy and Minerals Department sponsored geothermal energy projects in Truth or Consequences in the 1980s to begin a trend toward Green Industry and Environmental Development in the region. Geothermal heat sources have replaced other power sources at some of the commercial facilities.

Link: Truth Or Consequences, A Spa City

Health Care and Medical:

Sierra Vista Hospital

Sierra Health Care Center

Ambercare Home Health & Hospice

Rio Grande Psychological Services

Health and Recreation:

Blackstone Hotsprings

Elephant Butte Inn & The Ivory Tusk Ivory Spa

Sierra Grande Lodge and Spa

T or C Golf Course

Retail:

Wal-Mart Store

2001 H.R. Ashbaugh Dr.

Truth Or Consequenc, NM 87901 (575) 894-0343

Newspaper Ads:

Sierra County Sentinel

Herald Publishing Co

Citizen Newspaper

Internet Job Listings: 50-mile radius around T or C.

White Sands Missile Range

As of August 12, 2008 a respected Truth or Consequences resident and active Hubber B.T. Evilpants threw his beret into the ring and announced his candidacy for Dictator - I mean President of the United States.

BT is campaining up to the time of the 2008 elections at B.T. For President and will continue in politics with all of its gravy and community affairs on additional sties around Hub Pages. Please enjoy them all.

BT Evipants for President is active on Mr. Shadesbreath 's Excrement, Inc philosophical musings page and spryte's Project F.U.R.B.A.L.L. and Zsuszy Bee's The Best Butter Tart, eh!