History of Las Cruces

Beginning in 1848 with the conclusion of the Mexican-American War, the United States expanded its borders west to the Rio Grande River. The newly acquired land, once explored by Spanish conquistadors for gold, and inhabited by various Native American tribes such as Mogollon, Pueblos, and Apaches, now became US territory. With the Gadsden Purchase in 1854, the borders were extended with an additional 30,000 square miles that went beyond the Rio Grande River. The land situated west of the Organ Mountains and east of the Rio Grande was known as La Placita de Las Cruces, or the place of the crosses. Various tales surround the name of the city. The most common one is that of an Apache massacre of a wagon train of forty travelers from Taos. One lone survivor was left after the Apache raid, and this young man buried the settlers and erected crosses in their memory. Today, three crosses symbolize the historic name of the city of Las Cruces and are erected in various places through out the community.

Settlers arrived to the new territory seeking free land, gold, adventure, and a fresh start in life. Former Mexican residents, who were not satisfied with their changed status to American citizens, packed their belongings and moved across the Rio Grande establishing the small town of La Mesilla. However, within seven years, this land would become US territory as well and the residents of Mesilla were once again living in the United States.

In 1849, 120 settlers arrived and with this sudden influx of people, the government commissioned Lt. Delos Bennett Sackett to Las Cruces to oversee the building of the town. Using ropes and stakes, Sackett designed a layout of the town, which included a plaza and central church location. Sackett created 84 plots of land and the new settlers drew from a hat in order to determine their new home site. The population of Las Cruces steadily increased through the railroad, which passed through Las Cruces and the Butterfield Stage Coach, which made Mesilla a central stopping area for passengers.

Colorful characters in history permeate the Las Cruces and Mesilla areas. Billy the Kid was held for trial in Mesilla. Pat Garrett, the legendary sheriff who shot the Kid, lived and died in Las Cruces. Pancho Villa, the Mexican bandit, raided ranches in the area and fled for refuge in the nearby Mexican border. Geronimo, the infamous Native American, led raids against various settlers and hid from US troops in a mysterious New Mexican cave. Cattle barons like John Chisum, Oliver Lee, Susan ‘Cattle Queen' McSween Barber, lived and built legendary dynasties.

The Wild West - appropriately named for its tumultuous and resplendent history - became the 47th state on January 6, 1917. Today, Las Cruces is the second largest city in the state of New Mexico and home to more than 150,000 residents. The new

generation of settlers and descendants of New Mexicans continue to enjoy the warm-dry climate, brilliant sunsets, and the rich cultural life found in the state known now as the Land of Enchantment.