History of Las Cruces, New Mexico. History shows that Las Cruces, New Mexico was once home to Geronimo, Victorio, and Billy the Kid. More than 150 years ago, United States Army Lt. Delos Bennett Sackett,...
More than 150 years ago, United States Army Lt. Delos Bennett Sackett, using rawhide rope and stakes, plotted out 84 city blocks to form what is known today as Las Cruces, NM. Sackett came to the Mesilla Valley from Fort Gibson, Oklahoma.
As far as our name is concerned, some people say that during the 18th Century, a bishop, a priest, a Mexican Army colonel, a captain, four trappers, and four choir boys were attacked near the Rio Grande. Only one boy survived. Crosses were erected in their honor, and the name El Pueblo del Jardin de Las Cruces, (the city of the garden of crosses) was born.
Las Cruces has been the home of many notable figures, such as Geronimo, Victorio, Albert Fall, and the discoverer of Pluto, the late Clyde Tombaugh. None have garnered more attention than the most infamous outlaw in the West, Billy the Kid. In 1880, Billy the Kid was sentenced to death and legend has it he escaped while awaiting execution. He was later shot and killed by Lincoln County Sheriff Pat Garrett in 1881. The building in Mesilla that housed the jail and courtroom are still standing and the iron jail cell that held him in on display across the street in Gadsden Museum. Another historical landmark still standing in Mesilla is the old Butterfield Stage Depot. Today it is home to La Posta, a restaurant with a worldwide reputation for its Mexican food.
