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Las Cruces is a city in and the county seat of Doña Ana County, New Mexico nestled in the Mesilla Valley. Las Cruces was estimated to have a population of 91,865 as of July 1, 2008, making it the second largest city in the state. Las Cruces is nearby to the Organ Mountains, as well as the Dona Ana mountains, the Robledo mountains, and Picacho peak. The city is also home to 72 holes of year-round golf, unique special events, historic attractions, and delicious foods. Las Cruces has received several awards including one of the “best college towns to retire” from Money Magazine and one AARP’s “dream towns” to retire. Las Cruces has also been ranked by Forbes as one of the best small metro areas for business and careers. Please visit the Las Cruces official website for more information about this incredible city.
The area that would eventually become Las Cruces was inhabited by the Manso people until 1589 when the area was colonized by Juan de Oñate who became its first governor. Las Cruces was founded in 1849 when the US Army laid out the new town after the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo had ceded the land to the United States in 1848. The settlement was created as an overflow area from the colony of Doña Ana, located six miles north of the new settlement. When the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railway reached the area, residents of Las Cruces donated the rights-of-way and land for a depot in Las Cruces. The first train reached Las Cruces in 1881. By 1907, Las Cruces was incorporated as a town.
New Mexico State University was founded in 1888 as Las Cruces College, led by Hiram Hadley. It was established as the land grant college and experimental station by the State Legislature in 1889. Its name was changed to New Mexico College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts in 1890 and to New Mexico State University in 1958.
During World War II, both German and Italian POWs worked at Las Cruces in the Emergency Farm Labor Program. Since World War II the growth of the nearby White Sands Missile Range has made the defense industry a key part of the local economy.
In the 1960s Las Cruces undertook a large urban renewal project, intended to convert the old downtown into a modern city center. As part of this, St. Genevieve's Catholic Church, built in 1859, was torn down to make way for the Downtown Mall. To discover this and more information about Las Cruces’ rich history, please visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Las_Cruces,_New_Mexico#History
Bataan Death March Memorial Monument
As the one and only federally funded monument dedicated to the victims of the Bataan Death March during WWII, the Bataan Death March Memorial Monument was opened in April 2001. The Bataan Death March Memorial Monument was designed and sculpted by Las Cruces artist Kelly Hester and is located in Veterans Park along Roadrunner Parkway. Please visit the memorial’s official website to learn more.
Organ Mountains
The Organ Mountains overlook Las Cruces and act as a haven for hikers and adventure seekers alike. Aguirre Springs and Dripping Springs/La Cueva make up the two main recreational areas in the Organ Mountains. These two sites offers some of the most scenic areas in southern New Mexico, as well as a variety of hiking, mountain biking, picnicking and camping areas. Discover this and more information about what the Organ Mountains have to offer by visiting: http://www.mustseelc.org/getdoc/a22a6fd1-b56d-4594-8147-fcf69efcd3ef/Organ-Mountains.aspx
Las Cruces Wineries
Las Cruces is home to numerous wineries and vineyard to meet a variety of tastes. Amaro Winery, Heart of the Desert Pistachios & Wines, Eagle Ranch Winery, Luna Rossa Winery, La Viña Winery, Rio Grande Vineyard and Winery, St. Clair Winery & Bistro, and Vintage Wines are just a few of the wineries that have blossomed throughout the Las Cruces area. For a complete list of Las Cruces Wineries, please visit: http://www.mustseelc.org/getdoc/6c6a8f3b-1e70-40f2-85c0-87f78111a050/Wineries.aspx
Spaceport America
Spaceport America is the nation’s first publicly-owned, industry-operated, purpose-built commercial spaceport, designed to enable technology that encourages environmental consciousness, enhances the quality of life on earth, and creates a brighter future for all. The goal is that through affordable, routine, commercial access to space breakthroughs will occur in areas such as transportation, communication, medicine, agriculture, education, energy, and exploration. Spaceport America is located about 60 miles north of Las Cruces off of Interstate 25 and was designed to achieve the prestigious LEED Platinum rating. Spaceport America is unique gateway to space that provide the kind of cost-effective, flexible launch environment that can open up space to the masses and truly enable the second space age. Please visit Spaceport America’s official website to discover more of what this spaceport has to offer you.
For a more detailed list of area attractions, please click here: http://www.mustseelc.org/Visiting.aspx
The City of Las Cruces Parks and Recreation Department serves and maintains over 100 parks and recreational areas. All of these facilities and open spaces are open to the public. Please visit the City of Las Cruces Parks and Recreation Department’s official website for more information.
Cinco de Mayo Fiesta
The Cinco de Mayo Fiesta is an annual event held to commemorate the victory of Mexican soldiers over the French army at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. The fiesta features mariachis, folkloric dancers, flamenco dancers, live music, dancing, games, food, drinks, art and crafts are available for purchase. The Cinco de Mayo Fiesta is held on the Old Mesilla Plaza, south on on highway 28. During this even no alcohol, smoking, or pets are allowed on the plaza. Please visit the Cinco de Mayo Fiesta’s official event website for more information.
Downtown Ramble
Held on the first Friday of every month, the Main Street Downtown Ramble encourages you to wander through galleries, shops, businesses and restaurants. Enjoy art openings, exhibits, music, entertainment, open mic opportunities, shopping, refreshments and more at the Downtown Mall from 5 – 7pm. Admission is free. Discover more about the Downtown Ramble by visiting: http://www.mustseelc.org/Visiting/Events/Monthly-Calendar/May.aspx
13th Annual “Raft the Rio Grande” Raft Race and Festival at the River
Raft the Rio Grande is an annual event in which homemade rafts compete for prizes in the areas of: est use of recycled materials, most creative, first to finish, least likely to finish (must be floating at the starting line), and spirit of the river. This fun event is great to spend time with friends and loved ones on the Rio Grande River at West Picacho Avenue. To find out more about this wondrous event, please call or visit them online at: 575-522-5552 http://www.wildmesquite.org.
For a complete list of community events, please visit: http://www.mustseelc.org/getdoc/84dde128-c167-484e-8eac-c18312a9f9a2/Monthly-Calendar.aspx _
For more details about Las Cruces, NM please visit: http://www.las-cruces.org/