She was blind from birth. But with a lovely voice and a talent for musical composition, Elizabeth Garrett became known throughout the nation as "The Songbird of the Southwest."

More in a moment . . .

Although few people know her inspirational story, Elizabeth Garrett was one of New Mexico's most notable women. Elizabeth's father, Sheriff Pat Garrett, was well known in the territory. He's the one who ended the career of Billy the Kid. Pat Garrett's daughter was born in the mid-1800's on her father's Lincoln County ranch. Elizabeth was born blind, but with the support of her father, she was determined not to let her handicap tie her down. Following the usual childhood of tree-climbing and horseback-riding, Elizabeth received a high school education and basic training at the Texas School for the Blind in Austin.

Qualified to teach both voice and piano, she had come a long way. But her dream was to go much farther. Working her way to Chicago, Elizabeth taught music and sang at private social engagements. Within months she was singing at some of the most respected theaters in Chicago and New York. Audiences loved her exotic compositions about distant New Mexico. One newspaper writer dubbed her "The Songbird of the Southwest." Elizabeth was indeed a strong but unofficial goodwill ambassador for New Mexico back East.

It was about this time that Elizabeth was persuaded to sing her new composition "O Fair New Mexico" before the State Legislature. When the performance ended, the body decided unanimously to make the selection the official state song. Like her close friend Helen Keller, Elizabeth spent much of her time working for the Red Cross. But soon she returned to New Mexico where she remained active singing, teaching and composing throughout the Southwest.

To learn more about the remarkable story of Elizabeth Garrett, visit the Palace of the Governors history museum in Santa Fe.