Las Vegas in San Miguel County, New Mexico — The American Mountains (Southwest)
Dr. Meta L. Christy
⎯⎯⎯
New Mexico Historic Women Marker Initiative
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, July 24, 2011
1. Dr. Meta L.Christy side of the marker
Dr. Meta L. Christy. Meta L. Christy, DO, is recognized by the American Osteopathic Association as the first black osteopath. Dr. Christy graduated in 1921 from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine as its first black graduate. The College gives an annual award in her name. She established her lifelong private practice with quiet dignity when there were no women physicians or osteopaths in local hospitals and few blacks in Las Vegas.
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: African Americans • Science & Medicine • Women. In addition, it is included in the New Mexico Womens Historic Marker Initiative series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1921.
Location.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Northern New Mexico. It is also in the American Southwest, in the Mountain West, and on the Santa Fe Trail Corridor. Globally, it is in North America, the Rocky Mountains, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Meadows Hotel (approx. 0.2 miles away); City Hall (approx. 0.2 miles away); YMCA Building (approx. 0.2 miles away); Browne & Manzanares Commission House (approx. 0.2 miles away); Rawlins House (approx. Ό mile away); Clara Waring Bookstore (approx. Ό mile away); Rosenthal Brothers General Merchandise Store (approx. Ό mile away); End of an Era (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Las Vegas.
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, July 24, 2011
2. New Mexico Historic Women Marker Initiative side of the marker
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, July 24, 2011
3. Dr. Meta L.Christy Marker
1921
4. Dr. Meta L.Christy
Graduation photo - Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 14, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 9, 2011, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,866 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 9, 2011, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. 4. submitted on February 7, 2014, by Patrick Pearsey of Indianapolis, Indiana. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.
