Las Cruces, New Mexico

Located in the fertile Mesilla Valley, Las Cruces is one of the fastest growing cities in the Southwest.

The city lies west of the Organ Mountains and has long attracted settlers. Although the region has been inhabited for over 4,000 years, the city's history dates back to 1598 when Don Juan de Oñate brought the first settlers to the area on a search for gold.

Eventually the region grew in importance and Mexico and the US disputed its acquisition. After the Mexican War with the US, the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed here, granting the nearby community of Doña Ana to the US. Mexican patriots left the community to start their own town, Mesilla, the community where later Billy the Kid would be tried for murder.

Finally Mesilla was sold to the US in 1854; today the restored community of Old Mesilla is a popular stop with Las Cruces travelers because of its historic sites and shopping.

For More Information: visit the Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce

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