Hey hey USA - 17th October - we visit the little town of Mesilla



Mesilla lies just outside the city of Las Cruces where we were staying and it was high time we paid a visit.

In the 19th century, as the US/ Mexico borders shifted, Mesilla, being on the southern fringe, kept changing nationality until 1853 when it became permanently part of the US. At this time it was the most important town in the area. Mesilla was at the crossroads of two major transport hubs, the Butterfield Stage and the Camino Real. With its many cantinas it attracted figures such as Billy the Kid, Pat Garret and Pancho Villa. All was going well until 1881when the Santa Fe Railway was expanding and expected to run through the town. However Mesilla asked the Railway far too much money for land rights and the tiny village of Las Cruces offered free land. The Railway took the cheaper option. So since then Las Cruces has grown into the second largest city in New Mexico and Mesilla has stopped still. 
But it is a very pleasant backwater. We walked around the plaza and admired the Basilica of San Albino which unfortunately was closed. We also took the opportunity for coffee and cake at a little café.


The Fountain Theatre has operated nearly continuously since the early 1900's



Billy the Kid was tried for murder in this building. He was sent to jail in Lincoln, escaped and was eventually shot dead by Pat Garrett near Fort Sumner










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