Truth or Consequences, New Mexico

Truth or Consequences was originally named Hot Springs but in 1950, Ralph Edwards, host of a popular radio show called Truth or Consequences, announced that he would travel to and do the radio program from the first town that named itself after the radio show. For the next 50 years, on the first weekend in May, Ralph Edwards kept his word and came to the former Hot Springs and recorded the show. Local folks named that weekend "Fiesta" and the events included a stage show, a parade and a beauty pageant.

In the late 1800's the first spa was built over the Geronimo Springs on the John Cross Ranch. It slowly built up a local reputation but real settlement (and business) didn't arrive until construction was started on the nearby Elephant Butte Dam in 1912. The dam was completed in 1916 and the reservoir was filling. The Town of Hot Springs was incorporated in 1916 and became the county seat of Sierra County in 1937.

Before World War II, there were about 40 spa facilities in Truth or Consequences but now there are only 8. Five of them get their hot mineral water from wells and three use free flowing hot springs. In the 1980's the New Mexico Department of Energy and Minerals created 2 geo-thermal pilot projects in Truth or Consequences.

Truth or Consequences is located in central New Mexico on the Rio Grande between the Elephant Butte and Caballo Reservoirs and is a popular tourist destination and retirement location (partly because housing is reasonably inexpensive).