1000 Feet High: Ancient Trails to Modern Tales of Southwest New Mexico

Southwest New Mexico is a region rich in culture, beauty, and history. 1000 Feet High offers a rarelyseen perspective on all three—from the natural beauty of the Peña Blanca area at the southern end ofthe Organ Mountains to aerial views of modern-day Silver City. This book will inspire readers to explorethe spectacular desert landscapes and dramatic mountain ranges that define this corner of New Mexico.Inside, you’ll find aerial photographs and stories that reveal the hidden history of the region. See the still-visible bombingtargets used to train World War II bombardiers, the winding line of the U.S.–Mexico border wall, and remnants of the historicButterfield Trail. Discover Providence Cone, where rocks have been worn smooth by ancient animals rubbing against them, and witness the region’s fascinating geology in lava flow patterns, cinder cones, and the dramatic crater of Kilbourne Hole.The book also highlights intriguing chapters of modern history. The land scams of the “Deming Ranchettes” remain etched into the desert, where dry parcels were once sold with promises of lucrative profits. The modern ghost town of Playas stands nearly empty after the mine that sustained it closed. Near Lordsburg, the remnants of one of the largest Japanese internment camps from World War II can still be seen. Historic aerial photos of Las Cruces and New Mexico State University are also compared with current views, showing how the region has evolved over time.Whether you are a history buff, pilot, geologist, or simply someone who enjoys seeing the world from a different perspective,this collection of photographs and stories will inspire you to explore and learn more about this remarkable part of New Mexico—where the dry desert air preserves the landscape and its stories. Some of the stories are modern, others ancient—but all are visible from above. For those who prefer to explore from the ground, every featured location includes GPS coordinates.Bill Soules and his brother David grew up hiking and exploring southern NewMexico. As an avid pilot he now spends hundreds of hours flying over the areaand sharing the incredible geography, geology, history, and stories of theland. When he is not flying he is legislating as a State Senator representingthe Las Cruces area. Read more