Mesilla Plaza - Las Cruces, New Mexico
N 32° 16.457 W 106° 47.723
13S E 330911 N 3572253
Mesilla Plaza is the central plaza in the small town of Mesilla in far southern New Mexico. The plaza and a number of its surrounding buildings are a National Historic Landmark District.
Waymark Code: WM12FM6
Location: New Mexico, United States
Date Posted: 05/17/2020
Views: 1
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Mesilla Plaza, Old Mesilla, New Mexico, USAAt the time Mesilla was founded, the population of the town was concentrated around the Plaza for defense against Apache Raiders who were a constant threat to the settlement. Many of the adobe buildings built during that era remain today. Perhaps the most significant event to occur on the Plaza included the consummation of the Gadsden Purchase by the raising of the United States flag in the Plaza by troops from Ft. Fillmore in 1853. Another less colorful event that occurred was a political riot in 1871 where Republicans and Democrats met after simultaneous political rallies on the west side of the Plaza. Fighting occurred resulting in several deaths and injuries (see political history). On September 10, 1957, the Mesilla Plaza was declared a state monument of New Mexico because of its historical significance in both the history of the state and the history of the United States. The Plaza was initially listed on the National Register in January 1982, as a National Historic landmark. Mesilla's Historic district was added to the National Registry in February, 1985. Today, quaint gift shops, galleries, and world-renowned dining and drinking establishments occupy the Plaza and its surrounding historical buildings. The plaza and gazebo were refurbished in 1978 to better accommodate the residents and the growing number of visitors to the town. The Plaza is also home to many cultural and historical activities, the most prominent of which are the Cinco de Mayo and 16th de Septiembre Fiesta Celebrations. Also, gaining in popularity is the Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration that occurs the first part of November. On Christmas Eve, the Plaza becomes magically alive with thousands of luminarios outlining streets, sidewalks and buildings celebrating the holiday season. You can also shop at the local Farmers and Crafts market on the Plaza every Thursday and Sunday throughout the year."
Source: oldmesilla.org
Name: The Plaza
Street Location: 2170 Calle De Parian, Las Cruces
Local Municipality: La Mesilla
State/Province, etc.: New Mexico
Country: United States
Web Site: [Web Link]
Picnic Facilities: benches
Recreational Facilities:
gazebo, benches, shady trees.
Monuments/Statues: Gazebo. Historical sign about the Butterfield overland trail
Special Events: arts/crafts and farmers market every friday and sunday
Traditional Geocaches:
https://www.geocaching.com/geocache/GC2A4CM
and I didn't find it when I was there....
Memorial/Commemoration: Not listed
Date Established: Not listed
Art (murals/sculpture, etc.): Not listed
Fountains: Not listed
Ponds/Lakes/Streams/Rivers/Beach: Not listed
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