Roswell, New Mexico is situated in the southeastern region of the state and is home to a population of over 48,000. The city has been historically known for its connection to extraterrestrial activity due to an incident that allegedly occurred there in 1947.
A local rancher named W.W. Brazel discovered debris from what he believed to be an unidentified flying object on his property after hearing mysterious explosions during a thunderstorm two weeks earlier. Residents of Roswell have long embraced this piece of history as part of their identity and it continues to draw in visitors from all around the world who are interested in learning more about the event or searching for evidence that proves its authenticity.
The International UFO Museum and Research Center is one example of how Roswell honors its unique past. It opened in 1991 with artifacts such as news clippings, photographs, models, and interactive displays dedicated to educating people about UFOs and providing information related to the crash at Roswell itself.
Visitors can even explore replica alien autopsy rooms complete with life-size figures made out of foam rubber! Additionally, each year the city hosts an annual celebration called “UFO Festival” which includes live music performances, parades, talks by experts on UFOs and sightings throughout history, costume contests, art shows featuring works inspired by aliens, movies screenings, food trucks serving specialty dishes like green chili burgers and tacos filled with grilled vegetables. This festival brings together thousands of people every summer while also promoting interest in both Roswell’s culture and extraterrestrial phenomena alike.