Centuries ago Spanish explorers brought their way of life to this land. Since that time, southern New Mexico and in particular Las Cruces has grown to become a city diverse in rich history, culture and traditions. Even today, over 400 hundred years later, our past is our greatest treasure, influencing everything that we do from traditional architecture, spicy cuisine and unique artwork. This is a great crossroads of Hispanic, Native American, and American cultures, fertile river valleys and vast deserts. Our town is a relaxed city in Southern New Mexico with a thriving economy based on agriculture, technology and education through New Mexico State University, making us one of the fastest growing cities in the United States. Las Cruces was ranked one of The Best Places to Retire in 2002 by Money Magazine and also ranked one of The Best Small Metro Areas for Business and Careers by the Forbes and Milken Institute.

    Las Cruces is home to many attractions including numerous art galleries, museums, performing arts venues, theatres and annual festivals. Better known for our space exploration and research joining NASA and the U.S. Government as an integral part of space exploration and defense program. Visitors to our area can enjoy a variety of year round outdoor activities such as hiking, golfing, or tennis in some of New Mexico’s most diverse landscapes. To the east, the majestic spires of the Organ Mountains rise from the floor of the Chihuahaun Desert with rolling hills and spindly plants. To the west, the Rio Grande cuts a wide green path of tall trees and fertile fields through the Mesilla Valley evident in the miles of pecan orchards. Overhead is an endless expanse of blue sky with the sun shining nearly every day, amazing sunsets and starry nights. With all that Las Cruces has to offer it is no wonder that it’s becoming one of the Southwest’s multi-faceted gems.

For thousands of years the Mesilla Valley was inhabited by accent Native Americans. The warm climate and fertile soil was ideal for survival and the river provided a steady supply of food and water. Over time the Mogollon people disappeared leaving only traces of their existence in canyon walls and rocks. Their culture was replaced by a new generation of New Mexicans led by Don Juan De Onate. Onate and his men made their way up from Mexico through the great pass of the north through the Mesilla Valley in route to the area that would become Santa Fe. This route quickly became known as the Camino Real and it was the preferred method to travel between Mexico and Santa Fe. Oñate's expedition marked the first European colonization of North America, and the Camino Real helped to establish southern New Mexico. At the end of the Mexican American war in 1848 southern New Mexico fell under U.S. control, and a rush of settlers looking to claim a portion of the undeeded land poured into the new territory forcing local leaders to call upon the U.S. Army for assistance.

     As the town grew so did the need for a name, it is unsure how the name Las Cruces was chosen for the town but most conclude that it derived from the Spanish translation of “the crosses” after many roadside grave markers were erected to remember those killed by the Apache raids. Mesilla and its residents were made part of the United States when the United States purchased a 3,000 sq. mile tract of land along the U.S. /Mexican border known as the Gadsden Purchase. Nonetheless as part of the United States both Las Cruces and Mesilla enjoyed great prosperity. Mesilla was the largest town trade center between San Antonio, Texas and San Diego, California becoming a major stop for the Butterfield stagecoach. Mesilla’s popularity grew when the western outlaw Billy the Kid was convicted of murder in the town’s courtroom. In 1881 the first train arrived in Las Cruces and by 1900 the town population had tripled to nearly 3,000 residents. Las Cruces was well on its way.