Mesilla, NM: where rich history and culture meet small-town charm
March 2023: Mesilla (pop.1,797*) is a historical small town that has long been part of the larger Las Cruces Metropolitan Area (pop.111,000) – and yet maintains its unique cultural heritage. While exploring the area, we rented a guest house in Mesilla to use as a home base. Our day trips included White Sands National Park and the more distant Carlsbad Cavern National Park. However, we also enjoyed exploring the charming historic town of Mesilla!
Mesilla – A Brief history
Mesilla has a fascinating history. After the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, the US-Mexico border was moved just to the south of a Dona Ana (present day north end of Las Cruces). As a result, the dismayed local residents of Dona Ana – now part of the United States – moved a few miles to the south side of the Mesilla Valley to remain their Mexican citizenship. The village of Mesilla was incorporated in 1848.
Alas, by 1851, the area was under constant threat of attack from the Apache. As a result, the United States government created Fort Filmore and declaring the entire Mesilla Valley region part of the United States. Subsequently the boundary dispute was resolved in 1953 with the Gadsen Purchase when Mesilla became part of the US along with the southern part of NM and Arizona.
Later, Mesilla played a role in the Civil War (1860s) and in the “wild west” era, where it attracted such figures as Billy the Kid, and Pancho Villa. In addition, it also served as a trading center as the crossroad of stagecoach, mail and trade routes.
In the early 1880s, the Village of Mesilla forfeited the opportunity to be the region stop for the new Santa Fe Railway to the much smaller village of Las Cruces, which of course has continued to grow into its current position as 2nd largest city in NM.
The La Mesilla Historic District, including the Mesilla Plaza was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1961.
Downtown vibe/walkability
We stayed two nights in the guest house of a local home within easy walking distance of the historic plaza and all the amazing shops and restaurants. Unfortunately, most shops were closed by the time we arrived our first evening. However, we did have a wide variety of restaurant options…
… and ended up deciding on the historic La Posta — which was FANTASTIC! The food was outstanding, but even more rewarding was the amazing Mexican hacienda inspired atmosphere of this multi-room restaurant.
La Posta De Mesilla – Google Maps
After dinner, we decided on an evening drink at the local microbrewery called The Spotted Dog Brewery (Fun Fact: it is named after the owner’s pet dog). We enjoyed the laid-back inside atmosphere, deciding it was too chilly of an evening to enjoy the patio area out front.
Spotted Dog Brewery – Google Maps
After that, we finished our evening with a walk around the Plaza and took some night photos on the way home.
We ended our two-day visit with a morning walk to one of several local coffee shops, Rincon de Mesilla. While waiting for our coffee, we looked around their shop. Once served, we had a relaxing breakfast and coffee on their outdoor patio.
Rincon de Mesilla – Google Maps
A deeper dive
I was intrigued during our visit by this beautifully and historic Mexican American heritage town and did some research when I got home. I find the history of Mesilla (as summarized above) fascinating.
Mesilla Plaza neighborhood maintains a high business density, which makes walking around a pleasure. The town has convenient parking lots outside of the main business district to entice area neighbors to drive to this community. That is to say, easy parking enables non-locals to spend some of their eating, drinking, and shopping budget in Mesilla.
Mesilla is included in the Las Cruses Chamber of Commerce covers the metro area.
Local Activities / Events
Below are a couple of resources I found online on the town government website, which provide more information on things to experience in Mesilla.
- Official Visitors Guide 2022: Town of Mesilla, NM – electronic copy found online.
- Mesilla Farmers and Craft Market – located in the historic plaza on Fridays (11-4pm) and Sundays (9-4pm)
- Calendar of 2023 events – including Cinco de Mayo, Summer Music Series, 5k races, Fall festival and parade, Halloween Haunted House/Carnival, Dia De Los Muertos, Native American art show, Veteran’s Day ceremony, and various Christmas celebrations.
There are several online sources for more information about things to do and see in the greater Las Cruces area.
