New Mexico meridian, Principal meridian near San Acacia, United States
The New Mexico meridian is a principal meridian running at 106 degrees 53 minutes 40 seconds west longitude through New Mexico and into Colorado. It serves as the baseline reference for dividing and surveying land across the region.
John W. Garretson established this meridian in April 1855 to serve as a reference point for surveying New Mexico and southwestern Colorado. The line became the foundation for later land distribution and boundary marking across the region.
The meridian forms a foundation for understanding property boundaries, land grants, and territorial divisions throughout New Mexico's development.
The starting point lies northeast of the San Acacia cemetery and is accessible by foot. The walk follows a fence toward a saddle and requires minimal preparation.
A brass cap about 3 inches in diameter is set in concrete at the starting location, marking the exact point. The Bureau of Land Management has placed additional markers in the cardinal directions at regular intervals along the line.
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