William (BILLY) E. Bullock

Mesilla Area Information

Mesilla is the best-known and most visited historical community in Southern New Mexico. Mesilla has had a major influence on the economic, cultural, historical, and political life of the Mesilla Valley since its founding in 1848. From the Gadsden Purchase, to the Civil War, to the Butterfield Stage Coach Trail, to the trial of Billy the Kid, to being a lively social center in the 1880s--Mesilla has been a prominent part of the rich history of the Southwest. Mesilla is home to approximately 2,200 residents and the community retains many of the qualities of its original founders. Mesilla has a rich and diverse heritage with the integration of Indian, Spanish, Mexican, and Anglo-American cultures. The town is embroidered with traditional adobe structures and architectural features modified through time because of style and technology that still remain as a reminder of the long and significant history of the town. Please visit Mesilla’s official website for more details on this wondrous place.

History

After the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo moved the U.S.-Mexico border south of the village of Doña Ana, the village of Mesilla was incorporated in 1848. By 1850, Mesilla was an established colony. By this time, its people were under constant threat of attack from the Apache. By 1851, the attacks caused the United States to take action to protect its people just to the north of the border, in the Mesilla Valley, by creating Fort Fillmore. As a result of the fort, the United States declared the Mesilla Valley region part of the United States. Mexico also claimed this strip of land, causing it to become known as "No Mans Land." This boundary dispute, which was officially caused by a map error, was resolved in 1853, with the Gadsden Purchase. Mesilla became a part of the United States, as well as the southern part of New Mexico and Arizona.

The Battle of Mesilla was fought in the town at the beginning of the Civil War. Mesilla served as the capital of the Confederate Territory of Arizona in 1861-1862 and was known as the "hub", or main city for the entire region. Recaptured by the Volunteers of the California Column, it then became the headquarters of the Military District of Arizona until 1864. During the "Wild West" era, Mesilla was known for its cantinas and festivals. The area attracted such figures as Billy the Kid, Pat Garrett and Pancho Villa. The village was also the crossroads of two major stagecoach lines, Butterfield Stagecoach and the Santa Fe Trail. The village of Mesilla was the most important city of the region until 1881.

In 1881, the Santa Fe Railway was ready to build through the Gadsden Purchase region of the country. Mesilla was naturally seen as the city the railroad would run through. However, the people of Mesilla asked for too much money for the land rights, and a land owner in nearby Las Cruces, New Mexico, a much smaller village than Mesilla, stepped in and offered free land.
La Mesilla Historic District, which includes Mesilla Plaza, was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1961. In 2008, the Roman Catholic parish church of San Albino was raised to the status of minor basilica by the Holy See. To discover all this and more about Mesilla’s rich history, please visit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesilla,_New_Mexico#History.

Mesilla, NM Attractions & Activities

Viva Mesilla Museum & Tours

Gadsden Museum
Gadsden Museum is dedicated to Colonel Albert Jennings Fountain and five generations of family history. It is home of the famous Gadsden Purchase painting. Please call (575) 526-6293 to make your appointment to take part in the most unique guided tour in Southern New Mexico.

Historic Walking Tour of Mesilla, NM
Walking Tours of Historic Mesilla let you visit historic battle sites, hear romantic ghost stories, and feel the centuries old grace of Mesilla. Call (575) 647-2639, for tour schedule.

Basilica of San Albino, north end of the Plaza
Basilica of San Albino was originally built of adobe in 1855 and was rebuilt to its present structure in 1906. On November 1, 2008, the church became a basilica. Visiting hours: 1-3 pm daily; except Sunday. Masses: Sat. 5:30 pm English; Sun. 8 am, Spanish; Sun. 11 am, English; Weekdays 7 am, Spanish. (575) 526-9349

To learn more about Mesilla’s museums and tours, please visit: http://www.oldmesilla.org/html/museums___tours.html

The Hauntings
The Hauntings is an adobe home, in which the Double Eagle restaurant is located, was built during the boom time for Mesilla in the 1840's and is acknowledged as the oldest building in Historic Old Mesilla. The home was a private residence up until the 1950's when it was abandoned for a time, used as a cotton warehouse, and then became a series of shops until 1972. It was then purchased by Robert O. Anderson who hired internationally known John Miegs to collect the museum quality antiques, paintings, sculptures, wood work and other things which make the Double Eagle unique. The building is a National and State Historic Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Please visit The Hauntings’ official website online for more information.

Fountain Theatre
Fountain Theatre was founded in 1905 and is now home to the Mesilla Valley Film Society. The theater, which is located at 2469 Calle de Guadalupe, features Foreign and Alternative films nightly. For more details please call (575) 524-8287 or visit: http://www.oldmesilla.org/html/entertainment.html

Frontier Adventures
Frontier Adventures allows you to relieve the glory and enchantment of the old west. Come and rent an assortment of horse drawn vehicles for you and your group’s exclusive day or evening. Get your authentic stagecoach for that special occasion. Call Pete Paulson at (575) 526-2164 or visit Frontier Adventures online at: http://www.oldmesilla.org/html/entertainment.html.

For a complete list of area attractions, please visit: http://www.oldmesilla.org/index.html

Parks & Recreation

Mesilla’s parks and recreations are served by the Public Works Department. The Mesilla Public Works Department is dedicated to maintaining and improving municipal parks, buildings, and infrastructure. To discover what all awaits you at Mesilla’s beautiful parks and lively recreations, please visit their official website at: http://www.mesilla-nm.org/html/public_works.html

Events Calendar

For a detailed list of Community events, please visit: http://www.oldmesilla.org/html/events_calendar.html

For more details about Mesilla, NM please visit: http://www.mesilla-nm.org/index.html