Tucumcari Mountain facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tucumcari Mountain |
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Mesa Tucumcari viewed from the west.
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 4,976 ft (1,517 m) NAVD 88 |
| Geography | |
 Tucumcari Mountain
Location in New Mexico
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| Location | Quay County, New Mexico, U.S. |
| Topo map | USGS Tucumcari |
| Geology | |
| Age of rock | Cretaceous |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Drive (private land) |
Tucumcari Mountain, sometimes called Tucumcari Peak or Mesa Tucumcari, is a flat-topped hill known as a mesa. It stands just outside the town of Tucumcari, New Mexico.
Contents
About Tucumcari Mountain
Tucumcari Mountain is a well-known landmark in New Mexico. It is a type of landform called a mesa, which means it has a flat top and steep sides. The mountain is located in Quay County, New Mexico.
What's in a Name?
The exact origin of the name "Tucumcari" is not fully known. One idea is that it comes from the Comanche word "tukamukaru." This word means "to lie in wait for someone."
An old record from 1777 mentions a battle where a Comanche woman and her child were captured. The place was called Cuchuncari, which some believe is an early version of the name Tucumcari.
Exploring Its History
Tucumcari Mountain has been mentioned in history for a long time. In 1793, Pedro Vial wrote about the mountain. He was opening a new trail between Santa Fe and St. Louis.
Later, in 1849, Captain Randolph B. Marcy led an expedition past the mountain. These early explorers helped map the area.
Studying the Mountain's Rocks
Scientists have also studied Tucumcari Mountain. In 1853, a geologist named Jules Marcou looked at the rocks there. He thought the rocks were from the Jurassic period. This was a very long time ago, when dinosaurs like the Stegosaurus lived.
However, other geologists disagreed. Robert T. Hill visited the mountain in 1887 and 1891. He believed the rocks were much younger. He thought they were from the Cretaceous period. This period came after the Jurassic, and dinosaurs like the Tyrannosaurus Rex lived then.
In 1891, William F. Cummins also studied the mountain. His careful observations proved that the rocks were indeed from the Cretaceous period. This helped scientists understand the age of the land.
The Mountain Today
The town of Tucumcari was founded in 1901. In 1908, the town took its name from the mountain. The mountain is a symbol for the town.
Residents of Tucumcari have painted a large letter "T" on the side of the mountain. This is a type of hillside letter or landmark.
You might have even seen a cartoon version of Tucumcari Mountain! In the movie Cars, a mountain similar to Tucumcari Mountain appears. Instead of a "T," it has "RS" painted on it, which stands for Radiator Springs.
See also
In Spanish: Cerro de Tucumcari para niños
