Truth or Consequences, city (1990 pop. 6,221), seat of Sierra co., SW N.Mex., on the Rio Grande between the Black Range (W) and Jornada del Meurto desert basin (E); inc. 1916 as Hot Springs, renamed 1950 for a radio game show in a publicity stunt. A health resort with hot mineral springs, it also is a trading center for cattle and sheep in a dairying and farming area. A local history museum and the headquarters for the Geronimo Trail National Scenic Byway are there. The Elephant Butte dam and reservoir, Caballo and San Mateo mts., and state parks and national forests are nearby. Spaceport America, a commerical space facility built on state land, is to the southeast.
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