Welcome to Las Cruces, New Mexico! Located in the verdant Mesilla Valley in south-central New Mexico, Las Cruces is a growing community with a bright future.  It is the fastest growing city in New Mexico and the 11th fastest in the nation.

The Mesilla Valley has been "home" to people for at least 4,000 years, and that's no surprise to anyone who has seen Las Cruces. The Rio Grande flows through the middle of the valley, with the gorgeous Organ Mountains rising to the east.  The surrounding agricultural land yields pecans, onions and other produce, but it is renowned for growing the best-tasting green chile in the world.

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

Today, 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 our greatest asset.

This year, Las Cruces will celebrate its 150th Birthday and everyone is invited to "Come for the History, Stay for the Fun"!  I hope to see you soon.

Sincerely,
Mayor Ruben A. Smith

The Organ Mountains as seen from the Rio Grande

White sand dunes at White Sands National Monument  (NPS Photo)

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