What’s in a name?

The Spanish christened it Ojo Caliente de las Palomas, then it was shortened to Palomas Hot Springs, and then simply Hot Springs because of the naturally occurring hot springs along the Rio Grande, which runs through the center of town. But the town changed its name when the 1950s television show Truth or Consequences held a contest for any town willing to change its name. Although some residents objected, Hot Springs became Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, TorC, as the locals call it, even after three referendums. For 50 years after the live NBC broadcast of the show in 1950, show host Ralph Edwards came back to the town to celebrate. TorC holds a Ralph Edwards Day and Fiesta each year.