[Aracelis]

Comparison with the Louisiana Purchase is simplistic thinking at its zenith. The LP was known in extent, and it's value tangible and quantifiable.

Actually, the Louisiana Purchase was made in 1803 - Lewis and Clark began exploration of the region in 1804, thus your claim that "The LP was known in extent, and it's value tangible and quantifiable" is unjustified.

[SpaceBar]

Actually, the Louisiana Purchase was made in 1803 - Lewis and Clark began exploration of the region in 1804, thus your claim that "The LP was known in extent, and it's value tangible and quantifiable" is unjustified.

The Spanish colonized the southwest hundreds of years before there was a United States and the general extent of the landmass was quite well known, maybe just not investigated in great detail. The first whites in New Mexico arrived in the mid 1500's. My claim is well founded. Saying otherwise doesn't magically make it so.