Welcome to Mesilla, New Mexico Photo: Mesilla is a small town established with the Gadsden Purchase in 1854.  Photo courtesy ‘New Mexico Tourism Department’.

Hot Links About Mesilla Attractions Weather, Map & Directions Events Visitor, Relocation & Community Information

About Mesilla, New Mexico   
  Mesilla is a small town that was established with the Gadsden Purchase in 1854. This agreement with the Mexican government was consummated in Mesilla’s town plaza on November 16, 1854 with the raising of the American Flag. After a few years of debating between the U.S. and Mexican governments, forts were built in the region which afforded the protection needed for travelers to and from all points, to feel safe enough to inhabit the area. With this increase in Mesilla’s demand, two major stagecoach routes were built to carry the mail and trade, the El Camino Real Stagecoach Route connecting Chihuahua to Santa Fe, and the Butterfield Stage Route connecting San Antonio to San Diego. By 1881, the railroad decided to bypass Mesilla for Las Cruces, and the county seat was moved there ending Mesilla’s importance. Billy the Kid stood trial for murder in a Mesilla courtroom. Modern-day Mesilla boasts a population of about 2,000, and retains much of its Old West character, and offers a wide range of historical & cultural events. 
       
Mesilla, New Mexico - Attractions & Activities   
Fountain Theatre: Dates back from 1905, and is home of the Mesilla Valley Film Society. 2469 Calle de Guadalupe, Tel: (505) 524-8267
Gadsden Museum: Dedicated to Colonel Albert Jennings Fountain and five generations of his family history, this museum is houses the famous Gadsden Purchase painting. Located at Boutz Rd., and Hwy. 28, 1875 Boutz, in Mesilla, NM. Tel: (505) 526-6293
Historic Walking Tours: Take a guided or self-guided historic walking tour through Old Mesilla. A guide book is available at the Mesilla Book Center. For guided walking tours call (505) 647-2639.
San Albino Church:  Originally built of adobe in 1855, this church was rebuilt to its present structure in 1906. Tel: (505) 526-9349


Mesilla, New Mexico - Weather, Map & Directions     



Mesilla, New Mexico -Visitor, Relocation & Community Information   
Mesilla Visitor's Center: 2340 Avenida de Mesilla, Mesilla, NM. Tel: (505) 647-9698, Web: