Ojo Caliente de Las Palomas, as the town was called by the Spanish settlers, has drawn people to its healing hot springs for centuries. The cowboys called the town Palomas Hot Springs, and then shortened the name to Hot Springs in 1916 when the town was incorporated. In 1950, Ralph Edwards, the host of the popular NBC radio game show Truth or Consequences, announced that he wanted a town in the United States to rename itself after the show. The people of Hot Springs voted, and on March 31, 1950, the town officially became known as Truth or Consequences. The following day, April 1, Ralph Edwards aired the 10th anniversary show from the newly renamed town.
Today the town boasts both historic and modern bath houses and hot springs, serves as the gateway to Spaceport America, and supports a thriving arts community.
