Hobson-Huntsinger University Archives Photograph Collection, 1890-1982
Date
circa 1972
Decade
1970s
Photographer
Chegin, Rita
Subject (LCSH)
College students
Student activities
Subject (local)
''A'' Mountain (Las Cruces, N.M.)
Historical context
''The highest point of Tortugas Mountain which had always served as a point of orientation for the college was branded in 1920 by whitewashing the rocks to form the letter ''A'' for ''Aggies''. It was laid out on March 31 of that year using a survey transit in the tower of Goddard Hall and a three mile long human chain to pass on directions. The ''A'' is at the apex of a line of sight that runs from the west end of The Pike (College Drive) and through the center of The Horseshoe. The ''A'', which is 80 feet wide and 300 feet tall, has become such an important local landmark that Tortugas Mountain is now most popularly known as ''A Mountain.'' Cited from New Mexico State University Heritage Preservation Plan Volume 1, p. 21.
Provenance
Chegin, Rita
Extent
3 3/4 x 3 in.
Notes
Students climbing ''A'' Mountain for ''A'' day celebration.