Zuzax, New Mexico facts for kids
Zuzax is a small, unincorporated community located in Bernalillo County, New Mexico, in the United States. An unincorporated community means it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. Instead, it's governed by the county.
You can find Zuzax along New Mexico State Highway 333, which used to be part of the famous U.S. Highway 66. It's about 11 miles (18 kilometers) east of a bigger city called Albuquerque. Today, Zuzax is mostly an area with many groups of houses, known as subdivisions. There's also an exit for Zuzax on the nearby major highway, Interstate 40.
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How Zuzax Got Its Unique Name
The name "Zuzax" was created by a clever businessman named Herman Adams. He opened a special shop in the area around 1956. This shop sold curios, which are interesting and unusual items.
The Phone Book Trick
Herman Adams chose the name "Zuzax" for a very specific and funny reason. He wanted his business to be the very last entry in phone books! Since "Z" is the last letter of the alphabet, and "Zuzax" starts and ends with "Z," it would naturally appear at the end of any alphabetical list. This was a smart way to make his business stand out.
A Fun Chairlift Ride
Besides the curio shop, there was also a short chairlift ride at Zuzax. This chairlift would take people up a small hill located right behind the store. It offered a fun activity for visitors to enjoy.
Zuzax Today: A Growing Community
While Zuzax started as a unique roadside stop, it has changed over time. It's now a place where many families live, with new houses being built in subdivisions. Its location near major highways makes it easy to get to and from larger cities like Albuquerque.
Living in Zuzax
Living in an unincorporated community like Zuzax means that local services, like police and fire departments, are usually provided by the county government. Residents often enjoy a quieter lifestyle compared to living in a big city, while still being close enough to access city amenities.
