About Las Cruces, New Mexico

Las Cruces is located in the Mesilla Valley in southern New Mexico, a growing community with a bright future.

Las Cruces is the fastest growing city in New Mexico. Its history dates back to 1598, when Don Juan de Onate led the first colonists to the area. In 1848 the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed and in 1854, the Gadsden Purchase was ratified in the village of Old Mesilla. In 1881, the infamous William H. Bonney, better known as "Billy the Kid" was tried and sentenced for murder here, but later escaped.

The Mesilla Valley has been "home" to people for at least 4,000 years, and you can experience that history throughout downtown and the valley. The Rio Grande flows through the middle of the valley with the Organ Mountains rising to the east. The surrounding agricultural land yields pecans, onions, cotton and other produce, but it is renowned for growing the best and hottest green chile in the world. Las Cruces offers a vast selection of annual events and attractions, great weather-an average of 350 days of sunshine a year-and without a doubt, the people of Las Cruces are the greatest asset. Las Cruces invites everyone to "Come for the History, Stay for the Fun!"

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