One of the theories surrounding the origin of the name says that a bishop and his priest, an army colonel of Mexican origin, a captain, four trapper boys, and four choir boys came under attack near the Rio Grande, and only one boy survived. Crosses were then put up in their honor, and the place became known as the City of the Garden of Crosses. Others claim that crosses were erected to mark the gravesites of fallen victims during the Apache raids. Another theory suggests that the name references "crossing" or "crossroads" as translated from Spanish. Whatever the case, the City of Las Cruces proudly carries its name and preserves a rich history, The Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo, signed right after the end of the Mexican-American war in February 1848, brought with it new possibilities. Part of these was the acquisition of land and the formation of new settlements. The American army surveyed the town of Las Cruces in 1849, effectively inviting people for occupation and expanding Dona Ana County. The neighboring town of Mesilla had attracted more residents settling in, recording about 2,000 occupants by 1860, which was twice what Las Cruces had managed. When the Santa Fe Railway reached this region, the city's fortunes began to turn around. Residents of Las Cruces agreed to give right-of-way and donated land for a depot, and the first train made its way here in 1881. Although a terminus was not set up here, the population grew to nearly 2,500 people in the 1880s. Las Cruces was incorporated as a town in 1907. By 1912 when New Mexico became the 47th state, Las Cruces had already established a reliable water system and electric power, a cannery and steamy laundry, as well as an ice factory and cold storage. By the 1920s, the population had grown significantly, although it was adversely affected by World War II. The war had a positive impact on Las Cruces as the military founded the White Sands Proving Ground (White Sands Missile Range) in 1944. The New Mexico State University (formerly New Mexico College of Agriculture & Mechanic Arts) was founded in 1888 and has had an enormous contribution to the growth of Las Cruces.

Las Cruces has so much for visitors and locals to swallow in just one gulp. Here are a few picks for your diary.

Las Cruces Museum of Art
Visit the Museum of Art to indulge in pieces by renowned local and international artists. In addition to exhibitions, the museum offers lessons in drawing, painting, and other art forms.

Cowboy Culture
Several cowboy-themed events take place in Las Cruces at different times of the year. The Pancho Mountain festival in September, Cowboy Days in March, and the Las Cruces Country Music Festival will bring up your cowboy spirit.

Museum of Nature Science
There is so much to learn about the desert climate, and the Museum of Nature Science is a perfect place to start. Here, you interact with expansive flora and fauna. A set of 40 different desert animals are enclosed in a zoo.

With an all-around approach to life, buying a house (Las Cruces, NM) becomes very rewarding. Art, food, business, and science are all taken care of, and that's what life is all about.