HISTORY
Mesilla was the leading settlement in the area in 1860, but it was Las Cruces not Mesilla that donated land for a depot to the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway. The population growth in the late 1880s is credited to New Mexico State University, government jobs and retirees. Las Cruces was incorporated as a town in 1907. The exact origin of the city’s name is unknown, but it’s believed to be named after three crosses on a hillside marking the graves of bandits.
AMENITIES
With White Sands Test Facility and White Sands Missile Range nearby the government is a major economic sector. Las Cruces, New Mexico area is headquarters for Virgin Galactic, while education and healthcare employ large numbers of the workforce as well.
RECREATION
Elephant Butte Lake is located approximately 80 miles north of Las Cruces, NM. Visitors enjoy fishing, camping, and water sports.
Ruidoso, NM is located approximately 116 miles east of Las Cruces. Visitor enjoy hunting, fishing, snowboarding, snow skiing, camping, vacationing and shopping in local mountain shops.
HEATHCARE
Memorial Medical Center, MountainView Regional Medical Center and Addus HealthCare are among the regional healthcare providers.
EDUCATION
NMSU is the oldest public institution of higher education in the state. The research university operates campuses in Alamogordo, Carlsbad, Doña Ana County and Grants as well as extension/research centers across the state. Las Cruces Public Schools is the second largest school district in the state with 3,600 employees and approximately 25,000 students.
CLIMATE
Less than 10 inches of precipitation, falling predominantly in the form of rain, is typical of the arid climate in Las Cruces. Humidity levels are well below the national average and sunshine occurs on nearly 300 days of the year. Summer highs exceed 90 degrees with temperatures dropping below 30 in the coldest months.
RECREATION
The heart of Southern New Mexico is ideal for adventure and exploration of heritage, history and a fascinating landscape. Las Cruces contains more than 100 parks covering approximately 700 acres. Veterans Memorial Park hosts the Bataan Death March Memorial as well as a memorial walking trail. Organ Mountains Desert Peaks National Monument contains 500,000 acres of protected desert trails and archeological sites. Fort Selden State Monument features the original home of the Buffalo Soldiers. White Sands Missile Range Museum displays a variety of tested missiles and rockets. White Sands National Monument consists of 275 square miles of gypsum known as the white sands of New Mexico.
Cowboy Days, La Viña Spring Festival, Hatch Chile Festival, Frontier Days and Renaissance ArtsFaire are just a few of the annual celebrations in Las Cruces.
United Country – Revolution provides lifestyle property expertise throughout the Mesilla Valley and beyond. Contact our team in Las Cruces, NM today; our real estate professionals are eager to serve your lifestyle needs.