Truth or Consequences in Sierra County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)

"Magnificent Magnolia"

(1893-1974)

Photographed by James Hulse, July 23, 2024

1. "Magnificent Magnolia" Marker

Inscription. Magnolia Ellis was a "magnetic healer." Born in Hill County, Texas, she settled in Hot Springs, today's Truth or Consequences, in 1937, and built a two-story residence and office that is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. She denied being a faith healer, instead laying hands on patients who claimed to have a feeling of electricity when she touched them. Patients picked numbers, and Magnolia visited them in six different booths, sometimes seeing 100 patients a day. Magnificent Magnolia helped put Hot Springs on the map.

Reverse Side
New Mexico Historic Women Marker Initiative
The New Mexico Historic Women Marker Initiative was founded in 2005 by members of the New Mexico Women's Forum in a statewide effort to recognize women's contributions to New Mexico history on the state's Official Scenic Historic Markers. The Initiative ensures that women's diverse histories will be remembered and told, and will inspire and provide a guide for future generations. The 2006 Legislature funded the project.

Erected by New Mexico Historic Preservation Division.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Science & Medicine • Women.

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In addition, it is included in the New Mexico Women’s Historic Marker Initiative series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1937.

Location. 33° 7.767′ N, 107° 15.042′ W. Marker is in Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, in Sierra County. It is at the intersection of Main Avenue and South Date Street, in the median on Main Avenue. The marker is located at a small street corner median. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Truth or Consequences NM 87901, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southwest New Mexico and in the Rio Grande Valley.

It is also in the American Southwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also the Republic of Texas.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Healing Arts (approx. 0.2 miles away); Elephant Butte Lake State Park (approx. ¼ mile away); New Deal History (approx. 0.9 miles away); Carrie Tingley (approx. 0.9 miles away); Truth or Consequences (approx. 1.1 miles away); a different marker also named Truth or Consequences (approx. 2.2 miles away); Elephant Butte Dam (approx. 3.8 miles away); Fort McRae 1863-1876 (approx. 4.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Truth or Consequences.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Magnolia Ellis, “Magnificent Magnolia” (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed).

More about this marker. This marker replaces the original marker called Magnolia Ellis, “Magnificent Magnolia” with new text.

"Magnificent Magnolia" Marker - reverse side image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, July 23, 2024

2. "Magnificent Magnolia" Marker - reverse side

Also see . . . Magnolia Ellis, “Magnificent Magnolia”. The New Mexico Historic Women Marker Program

Hot Springs, New Mexico, has long been famous for its healthy climate and many natural hot springs. After committing her life to helping others heal, Magnolia Ellis moved to Hot Springs, opened a clinic, and began using her knowledge, confidence, and a natural power to heal with her touch. Her work brought national attention and fame to Hot Springs, where she treated more than a hundred people a day.

(Submitted on August 9, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

The view of the "Magnificent Magnolia" Marker along the street image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, July 23, 2024

3. The view of the "Magnificent Magnolia" Marker along the street

Credits. This page was last revised on July 14, 2025. It was originally submitted on August 8, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 309 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 9, 2024, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.