Mesilla, New Mexico has been a tourist destination for decades. It's a little town just to the south of Las Cruces and has more history packed into 5+ square miles than many towns in the Southwest.
The most 'famous' part of Mesilla (which means Little Table in English) is the Plaza, which was designated as a State Monument in 1957. It's grandstand gazebo plays host to many fiestas including Cinco De Mayo and Diez y Seis De Septiembre. In December, the plaza is lit by hundreds of luminarios on Christmas Eve.
On the northern side of the Plaza is San Albino Roman Catholic Church - now known as the Basilica of San Albino. It is one of the oldest missions in the Mesilla Valley, established by order of the Mexican government in 1851. In 2008, the church was designated as a minor basilica by order of the Vatican.
To the west is the oldest brick builing in New Mexico, the Thunderbird de la Mesilla -
Billy the Kid - yes, that Kid - is also a part of Mesilla's history.
There really is so much more to Mesilla - El Patio Bar which has been continuously operated by the Fountain family since 1881, La Posta Restaurant, the Fountain Theater - and that's just on the Plaza! Stepping away from the center of town reveals even more history in the homes and other buildings that have stood for decades.
It's a definite destination for visitors and those of us who have lived in the area for many years.
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