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Las Cruces History: In 1598, Don Juan de Oņate led hundreds of colonists along the Camino Real from El Paso del Norte through Las Cruces and the Mesilla Valley to Santa Fe. Along this trail of commerce and exploration, an incident in 1830 led to the naming of Las Cruces: A caravan of travelers was ambushed by Apaches. The graves of the dead were marked with crosses and the subsequent travelers referred to the site as “La Placita de Las Cruces”, the place of the crosses.
Las Cruces Facts: Today, Las Cruces is New Mexico’s second largest city, with a population of over 85,000. Although growing rapidly, Las Cruces has retained the charm and flavor of the Old West, and recently celebrated its 100th anniversary of the first gathering of the city’s first board of trustees. Geographically located between the Organ Mountains and the Rio Grande, Las Cruces is a regional hub linking El Paso, Texas and Juarez, Mexico. Agriculture (chile, cotton, pecans, onions, lettuce) is a leading source of revenue throughout the state, and New Mexico State University and White Sands Missile Range are also key to the financial base of the area. Rich in culture, Las Cruces boasts numerous museums, art galleries and performing arts companies.
Health Care: Las Cruces is fortunate to have an abundance of healthcare professionals as well as modern, state of the art medical facilities readily available to its residents. Currently, over 400 physicians in thirty different specialties practice medicine in two leading metropolitan hospitals: Memorial Medical Center and MountainView Regional Medical Center. Both facilities offer full-service surgical care, critical care, maternal and child care, emergency care and outpatient services. In addition, Las Cruces has a number of high-quality assisted living facilities, as well as a specialized Alzheimer’s unit, home health services and hospice services.
Public & Private Schools: The city’s only public school district, Las Cruces Public Schools currently has 35 schools, including 24 elementary schools, 7 middle schools and 4 high schools. The district also has one vocational high school, providing career technical education to 8th through 12th grade students. In addition to our public schools, Las Cruces also excellent private and faith-based schools, including Mesilla Valley Christian Schools, Mission Lutheran School and Las Cruces Catholic Schools.
Higher Education: New Mexico State University, the largest land-grand university in the state, has been an institution of higher learning since 1888, when it was an agricultural college and preparatory school. Today, NMSU is still dedicated to teaching and research at the undergraduate and graduate levels through a state-wide system of campuses in Alamogordo, Carlsbad, Doņa Ana County, Grants and Las Cruces. In addition to NMSU, Doņa Ana Community College provides occupational training with Associates Degrees in many skilled areas plus numerous non-credit continuing education courses.
Government: Las Cruces is a home-rule municipality with a Council-Manager form of government as specified by the City Charter. The City Manager is the chief administrator of the City, responsible for its day-to-day operations. The City Manager offers leadership, direction and guidance to all departments and sections of the organization. Additionally, the City Manager implements policies and programs that are prioritized and directed by the City Council and governed under the City of Las Cruces City Charter. Additionally, there is an elected mayor who serves two-year terms as decided by a majority vote.
Economic Development: Las Cruces was a small community known for its rich farmland and state college, until shortly before the end of World War II. when White Sands Test Facility began to have a strong impact on the economy of the area. While government is the largest sector employer in the county, the economy continues to diversify. As a regional trade, education and health care center, the county’s employment continues to grow in most sectors, with Education and Health Services growing at an average annual growth rate of 7.3% over the past ten year; Professional and Business Services growing at an average annual rate of 5.8%; and construction growing at a 4.9% average annual rate. Of the county’s largest employers, two are government testing facilities; three are education systems, with one each in local government, health services and retail trade. Other major employers are in the manufacturing, leisure and hospitality, and business and professional services sectors.
Dining: Located just down the road from the chile capital of the world, Las Cruces is home to some of the finest Mexican food in the region. Recognized as the official state question, “Red or green?” is a popular proposition by any and all Mexican restaurants. In addition, there are hundreds of award-winning dining establishments in Las Cruces to please any palate.
Art & Culture: Known historically for its rich Hispanic heritage, Las Cruces is a hub of fine art galleries and museums alike. From theater to film and literary arts, Las Cruces offers a little bit of art and culture for everyone.
Recreation: With a climate characterized by an abundance of sunshine, there’s literally no month on the calendar that doesn’t offer some kind of recreational outing in Las Cruces and southern New Mexico. Whether dipping your toes in the lake at Elephant Butte State Park, or trekking across the vast gypsum dunes of White Sands National Monument, there are plenty of sights to be seen in and around Las Cruces.
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