Las Cruces, NM, history goes back millions of years. As proved by paleontological analysis of fossils scattered around mountains and deserts in the area, reptiles and amphibians roamed on its surface. It is home to what the Smithsonian Institute has described as “the world’s best-fossilized footprints from the Permian period.” More than one and a half-century ago, Perfect Don Pablo Melendres issued an order for an area on which a town would be built to be mapped. The work of doing the mapping fell on a United States Army lieutenant called Delos Bennett Sackett. With rawhide ropes and blocks, Sackett laid the foundation for what came to be known today as Las Cruces, NM. People from different communities found a home there, including people from the El Paso and Dona Ana communities. The responsibility of protecting those communities from bandit attacks in the summer of 1948 fell on the First Dragoon of Company H alongside 87 soldiers. The war that the United States and Mexico were embroiled in came to an end with the signing of the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo in 1848. Thanks to that treaty, Dona Ana was transferred from Mexico to the United States as the two countries committed to the cessation of hostilities. In a bid to maintain law and order, Don Pablo sought the help of the United States army in laying the foundations for Las Cruces. A piece of land was set aside for a plaza and church. There are many theories that explain how Las Cruces got its name. One theory says that during the 18th century, a priest, a bishop, four trappers, and four choir boys came under attack. Only one boy survived the attack. To honor them posthumously, a number of crosses were put up, giving rise to the name El Pueblo del Jardín de Las Cruces. The name translates to the City of the Garden of Crosses. Other explanations say that the crosses were put up to honor those who had lost their lives in Apache raids. Even with the rise of Las Cruces, the anti-US sentiment remained as the residents preferred to be under the rule of Mexico over that of the United States. That sentiment saw the movement of scores of families from the area to the Rio Grande, which was situated to the west and was under the influence of Mexicans. The exodus happened in 1850. Las Cruces was visited regularly by prominent figures such as Geronimo, Victorio, and Clyde Tombaugh, the man who is said to have discovered Pluto.

Visit The New Mexico Farm And Ranch Heritage Museum
The New Mexico Farm And Ranch Heritage Museum is where history comes alive. Paying the museum a visit will afford you the opportunity to learn about thousands of years of farming and ranching in the area. Set on 47-acre land, the museum has exhibitions and demonstrations that enable visitors to see how Las Cruces, NM, has evolved over the years. You leave the place enlightened about the area’s rich history and culture.

It is a children-friendly place so you can bring your kids along to enjoy what’s on offer.

Indulge In Golf
Golf enthusiasts will tell you nothing beats the experience of teeing off on a warm day. If you are one, then Las Cruces is a place where you would rather be. You don’t have to be a pro to play as different playing levels are available for both the amateurs and the professionals. The city is dotted with golf courses, including the Sonoma Ranch Golf Course, which offers a championship-level golfing experience, and the Red Hawk Golf Club, rated among the best.

Dive Into The Glamor Of Cowboy Culture
Las Cruces, NM, is where the cowboy culture finds its most captivating expression. It’s an aspect of the city’s culture that attracts tourists and keeps them coming back. Few things beat the sight of cowboys in their colorful boots and hats, galloping on horseback or belting out soulful ballads. A whole week in September is devoted to celebrating cowboy culture.